Author: NHL Hockey News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

The Philadelphia Flyers are about to get a huge boost at time when they may have needed it the absolute most.

Losers of three straight, all in overtime and the shootout, the Flyers announced Tuesday that veteran defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, at long last, has been activated from injured reserve, ending a nine-month absence due to a ruptured triceps.

Ristolainen, 31, has not played an NHL game for the Flyers since a 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators back on March 11, but his return against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night will put an end to his 280 days between games.

In a corresponding transaction to make the necessary roster spot, the Flyers assigned defenseman Ty Murchison, who played very well in a brief two-game cameo at the NHL level, to the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Did Quinn Hughes Diss Flyers for Big Trade Dud?Quinn Hughes has been connected to the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a> ever since Rick Tocchet took over as head coach, and there's a chance the superstar defenseman is miffed a reunion didn't take place.

The burly 6-foot-4 Ristolainen was playing some of the best overall hockey of his career for the Flyers under John Tortorella last season, scoring four goals, 15 assists, and 19 points in 63 games to the tune of a +3 rating and an average ice time of 20:31 - his most under Tortorella in his three seasons as head coach.

How Ristolainen fares transitioning to his third full-time head coach in five seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers remains to be seen, but if the Finn can return to the form Tortorella and Brad Shaw coached him to in the previous two seasons, the Flyers will be in for a real treat as they continue their playoff push into the winter.

The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that they have assigned defenseman Ty Murchison to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. 

The Flyers sending Murchison back to Lehigh Valley comes with key blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen being ready to start his 2025-26 season. As a result of this, Murchison will now be looking to continue to grow his game with the Phantoms. 

Murchison was on his first career NHL call-up before being assigned back to the Phantoms. During it, he appeared in three games for the Flyers, where he recorded zero points, two blocks, five hits, and a plus-1 rating. Overall, the 6-foot-2 defenseman showed promise during his first chance on the Flyers' roster.

Now, Murchison will be aiming to make a big impact with the Phantoms after being sent back down to the AHL. In 21 games this season with Lehigh Valley, he has recorded one goal, three assists, four points, 30 penalty minutes, and a plus-9 rating. 

Murchison was selected by the Flyers with the 158th overall pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. In 25 career AHL games over two seasons with the Phantoms, he has posted two goals, four assists, six points, 36 penalty minutes, and a plus-11 rating. 

In the past five days, the NHL has seen not one, but two blockbuster trades – one that sent late sent superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks to the Minnesota Wild, and one that sent veteran goalie Tristan Jarry from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Edmonton Oilers. Thus, we don’t want to hear any talk that, in the salary cap era, it’s next to impossible to get deals done.

However, if you judge the work done by now-former Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams in his more than five-years running the team before he was fired Monday and replaced with former Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen, you might take that talk about impossible trades a little more seriously. But from this writer’s perspective, that had more to do with Adams’ paralysis about taking big swings than it does about other teams pulling off major deals. 

Now, are there trades that constitute significant gambles? Sure there are. But don’t you think the Wild just gambled that Hughes is going to be a long-term piece of the puzzle in Minnesota? And don’t you think the Oilers just gambled that Jarry is going to do what former Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner couldn’t do and carry the Oilers to a Stanley Cup championship? 

The answer to both those questions is a resounding ‘yes’. But the old saying about nothing ventured, nothing gained is accurate when it comes to trades. And that means Kekalainen has to take a chance if the Sabres are going to be a playoff team for the first time in a decade-and-a-half.

New Sabres GM Kekalainen Must Address These Three IssuesThe Buffalo Sabres fired GM Kevyn Adams Monday. And his replacement, former Columbus Blue Jackets architect Jarmo Kekalainen, needs to prioritize making some major changes to the Sabres. Here are the three key areas Kekalainen must address.

As we’ve argued recently, Buffalo needs to deal from positions of strength, and when it comes to the Sabres’ goaltending and defense corps, they have strength. So trading someone such as defenseman Owen Power is something the Sabres should be looking into. But that said, Kekalainen can’t play it safe and only make a minor deal or two in the immediate weeks and months ahead. Because they have to know sticking with the status quo is going to enrage Buffalo fans.

There’s another saying that applies to the Sabres, and that saying is ‘safe is death’. It will be easy for Kekalainen to keep his core together, but as we’ve seen this season, that core simply doesn’t have what it takes to be winners. That’s not up for debate. That’s a fact.

Here's Why Sabres Need To Connect With Retooling Canucks To Acquire Star Center PetterssonThe Vancouver Canucks pulled off a blockbuster trade this week. But the Buffalo Sabres need to connect with the Canucks to try and acquire star center Elias Pettersson. A bold trade package might just lure him from Vancouver's rebuild -- and generate a Sabres retool.

And if Buffalo is ever going to break this cycle of letdown season after letdown season, they’re going to need Sabres management to step to the plate and and acquire a different set of players. 

When Martin St-Louis was asked Tuesday morning after practice whether there was a chance Samuel Montembeault would play a game this week, he said he didn’t know and that they needed to figure it out. Well, they did that quickly as the Montreal Canadiens announced that Montembeault, who had started the season as their number one goaltender, was being sent down to the Laval Rocket on a conditioning stint.

According to CBA rules, this is something the netminder had to agree to, and it can last up to 14 days. While this is probably not where Montembeault thought he would be at this stage of the season, it was a good move on his part to agree to this.

Canadiens: Big Decision Ahead
Canadiens: Looking For A Winning Streak
Canadiens Important Defenseman Out vs. Flyers

His last appearance with the Habs was in relief to Jakub Dobes on December 9, when he gave up three goals on just 13 shots. As for his previous start, it dates back to December 2 when the Canadiens played an atrocious game against the Ottawa Senators and lost 5-2.

In 15 games this season, the Becancour native has a 5-6-1 record, a 3.65 goals-against average and a .857 save percentage. A lot can happen in a calendar year in the NHL. Last season, at this stage of the season, Montembeault was starting every single game and was being earmarked as one of Canada’s three netminders for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

For whatever reason, the 29-year-old netminder can’t seem to get it together this season. It’s not that he hasn’t been allowed to build his confidence back up, but he’s been unable to do it in the NHL with the Canadiens battling for a playoff spot this season. Perhaps in Laval, where the stakes will be lower and the scrutiny less intense, he’ll find a way to do it.

This option also makes sense for the Canadiens; it will allow both Jacob Fowler and Jakub Dobes to get some ice time. Both could have been sent to Laval without clearing waivers, but neither deserved to be based on their latest performance. When Dobes shone bright against the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night, he told the Habs loud and clear that he shouldn’t be going anywhere.

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There has been a noticeable fashion movement in certain parts of South Florida over the past several weeks.

In popular areas across Miami-Dade and Broward County, people have been seen sporting their new Winter Classic gear in growing numbers.

The NHL officially revealed the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers uniforms for the 2026 Winter Classic last month.

Since then, Panthers fans both locally and on the road have been decking themselves out in the fresh new gear.

Considering the sudden and obvious popularity of the special edition threads, it’s not surprising that the Panthers are going to wear them more than once this season.

In addition to the Winter Classic itself, which takes place on Jan. 2, Florida will wear their new uniforms during two other home games at Amerant Bank Arena this season.

They will be on Sunday, Jan. 4, when the Panthers host the Colorado Avalanche, and on Wednesday, Feb. 4 against the Boston Bruins.

For more information on the Panthers’ Winter Classic uniforms, including a few photos, click here.

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New York Islanders forward Maxim Tsyplakov did not find himself in a top-six role alongside Jonathan Drouin and Emil Heineman on Tuesday night against the Detroit Red Wings, as Mathew Barzal was able to give it a go. 

Barzal did not partake in the morning skate due to something that occurred in their 3-2 shootout win against the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

For Tsyplakov, he's found himself on the outside looking in more often than not. While Tsyplakov has played better in his latest outings, the current 12 forwards are collectively playing too well to make a change.

The Islanders enter their game against Detroit on a three-game winning streak. 

"Absolutely not," was Roy's answer when asked if Tsyplakov's lack of game action as of late has been because of anything he's done wrong. 

"It's tough for him [to not play], and it's tough for us, as a coaching staff. I mean, that's the decisions you want to be making, to be forced to make. Sometimes, there are tough calls, and this one is a tough one because he's done what he's had to do. But right now, we have 12 guys who are playing really well. The line of Cizikas has an identity, and we love the way they're playing. We feel like Ritchie's playing really well with Shabby and Anthony Duclair. And the other lines are clicking. It's hard to make some changes sometimes."

“I’ve been focusing on my defensive game so I can earn my teammates’ and coaches’ trust and get out there more.”

Trust comes first for Anthony Duclair as he carves out his new role with the #Isles@TheElmontershttps://t.co/oZeHblpOo1

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) December 16, 2025

Roy added that Tsyplakov has come in with a great attitude and has worked hard so that when he does get his next chance, he'll be ready. 

Now, you have probably heard the trade rumors surrounding Tsyplakov, which is to be expected regarding a forward who shown that he can play in the NHL over his first season-and-a-half in the big leagues. He's also affordable, signing a two-year extension worth $2.25 million annually this past summer.

The Islanders should listen to calls they get on the player but that doesn't meant they are actively shopping the 27-year-old. 

With all the injuries to the forward group, Tsyplakov is a quality 13th forward for now, especially if he plays the responsible brand of hockey we've seen from him over his last handful of outings. 

Yes, he was supposed to be a goal scorer in this league, but he's doing a stronger job using his 6'3, 203-lb frame to win more puck battles and help the team go north, rather than south. 

Obviously, if Tsyplakov were playing very well, he'd be considered one of the Islanders' 12 best forwards and in the lineup every day. His lack of consistency has undoubtedly been a part of the problem, along with the play of everyone else.

Maybe there's a world where the Islanders flip him to a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs for Matias Maccelli, given his struggles to find consistency. 

But, as of right now, having an NHL-caliber player waiting in the wings as an option, even if he is better than a "13th forward' is a good problem for the Islanders. 

Tsyplakov, in his second NHL season, has recorded 1 goal and 0 assists in 20 games, averaging 9:20 minutes per game. He has 37 hits over that span. 

The Montreal Canadiens should be on the hunt for another skilled center. There is no question that they could use an upgrade down the middle, so it would not be surprising if they landed a center by the 2026 NHL trade deadline.

When looking at potential trade candidates around the NHL, one center who could be an interesting addition to the Canadiens' roster is Columbus Blue Jackets forward Charlie Coyle. 

The Blue Jackets are currently in a tough spot, as they have a 13-13-6 record and are at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division standings. They have also lost five straight games and eight out of their last 10, so they are trending in the wrong direction. If the Blue Jackets do not turn things around and end up being out of the playoff race near the deadline, that could make the pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) Coyle become available for trade later this season.  

When noting that Coyle is a solid middle-six center who contributes offensively, kills penalties, and throws the body, he would have the potential to be a nice addition to a Canadiens club that needs help down the middle. When looking at Montreal's current roster, Coyle could slot in nicely as their second-line or third-line center if acquired.

In 32 games so far this season with the Blue Jackets, Coyle has posted five goals, 15 assists, 20 points, and 47 hits. He also had a big season with the Boston Bruins just back in 2023-24, as he set career highs with 25 goals, 35 assists, and 60 points in 82 games. With this, he has the potential to be a difference-maker, and the Canadiens should consider targeting him because of it. 

MARYLAND NEIGHTS, Mo. -- The St. Louis Blues ever-growing list of new players continues to evolve.

The team announced on Tuesday that they have claimed forward Jonatan Berggren off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings.

Berggren will report straight to the Blues.

The 25-year-old has played in 15 games for the Red Wings this season and had six points (two goals, four assists). 

A second-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, the Uppsala, Sweden native has 64 points (31 goals, 33 assists) in 169 NHL regular-season games.

With the Blues down five forwards due to injury (Dylan Holloway, right high ankle sprain; Jordan Kyrou, lower-body injury; Jimmy Snuggerud, wrist; Nathan Walker, upper-body; and Nick Bjugstad, upper body), the Blues have called up Hugh McGing, Matt Luff and Otto Stenberg from Springfield from the American Hockey League and signed Robby Fabbri to a one-year, two-way contract on Dec. 10.

In order to make room for Berggren, the Blues put Bjugstad on injured reserve.

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The St. Louis Blues have claimed winger Jonatan Berggren off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings.

The 25-year-old was placed on waivers by the Red Wings yesterday. He's played 15 games this season for the Red Wings, scoring two goals and six points. Throughout his four-year NHL career, Berggren has scored 31 goals and 64 points in 169 games.

In his AHL career, he's notched 49 goals and 127 points in 130 games. 

Standing 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, the Swedish winger has underwhelmed in the early parts of his career, and with the Red Wings improving this season and competing for a playoff spot, they felt there wasn't a role for him on the NHL roster.

Now that the Blues have claimed him, he'll likely receive a longer runway with an increased role and minutes due to the plethora of injuries the Blues are facing. Throughout his career, Berggren has never averaged more than 13:28 of ice time, which came during his rookie season. 

There's a belief that the second-round pick (33rd overall) in the 2018 NHL draft has an untapped offensive game. Unfortunately, he has been unable to match his rookie season career highs of 15 goals and 28 points in 67 games. 

Berggren signed a one-year, $1.825-million contract in the off-season and will remain a restricted free agent when his contract expires. 

This is a very low-risk, high-reward move by the Blues. 

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Matchups between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Edmonton Oilers are always exciting to begin with when the best of the last generation in Sidney Crosby and the best of the newer generation in Connor McDavid face off. 

But there is another storyline that is surely taking precedence Tuesday when the teams square off at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. 

On Friday, the Penguins and Oilers completed a trade to that involved goaltender Tristan Jarry and forward Sam Poulin going to Edmonton in exchange for goaltender Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round pick. Jarry made his first start as an Oiler Saturday, which was a 25-save effort in a 6-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

But, for Skinner - who, along with Kulak, had immigration setbacks that prevented them from arriving sooner - Tuesday will mark not only his first start against his former team, but also his first start as a member of the Penguins. And it is set to happen against Jarry, who is returning to Pittsburgh for the first time just four days after the trade.

"Yeah, it's funny, we're ripping off the Band-Aid right away," Skinner said. "Which is good. Thinking about it, I think I'd rather it be like this and just kind of get it over with. But also, to enjoy it, too. I get to play my old teammates, and me and Brett get to do it together. And I think that's nothing but exciting."

After a bit of a rough start to the season, Skinner had been gaining some traction in recent games. In his last five starts, the 27-year-old is 3-1-1 with a .937 save percentage and eight goals against. On the season, he is 11-8-4 with a 2.83 goals-against average and an .891 save percentage, which are both below his career numbers of 2.74 and .904, respectively. 

'It Just Made Sense For Us To Do It At This Time': Penguins' GM Kyle Dubas Gives Insight On Jarry TradeIt's safe to say that <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/breaking-penguins-deal-tristan-jarry-to-edmonton-oilers">the trade sending Pittsburgh Penguins' goaltender Tristan Jarry and forward Sam Poulin to the Edmonton Oilers on Friday</a> - which returned goaltender Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round pick - surprised a whole lot of people, fans and players alike.

Overall, Skinner is happy with how his season has unfolded so far, and he's excited for his new opportunity. 

"I think it's been good. Obviously, ups and downs. Life of a goalie," Skinner said. "But I think, for the most part, I've been finding my game and finding that consistency, and I've just got to keep on doing that. It's been a few days since my last game, so just getting into that process is going to be important for me."

As for Jarry, 30, returning to the place he called home for 10-plus seasons is going to bring on some emotion. He was on a nice run this season before getting dealt, as he had a 9-3-1 record with a 2.66 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage with Pittsburgh. And this came after the worst season of his NHL career in 2024-25, when he was waived, had two AHL stints, and posted career-lows in goals-against average (3.12) and save percentage (.893) over a full NHL season. 

Why Oilers Fans Can Appreciate Tristan JarryTristan Jarry is a fine NHL goaltender, having a good year. He went 9-3-1 with a 2.66 GAA and .909 save percentage through 14 games with the Panguins. Those numbers matter, and they're a big reason why the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers#google_vignette">Edmonton Oilers</a> traded for him.

Like Skinner said about his time in Edmonton, Jarry hopes Pittsburgh knows that he did everything he could to help the team win in his time there - and he looks forward to the opportunity to face the Penguins for the first time. 

“I put my heart and soul into this team. I hope they understand that," Jarry told Wes Crosby of NHL.com Monday. "You never want to go into a game thinking you’re going to lose. You want to win every single game that you set foot on the ice. That’s all I wanted to do was win in Pittsburgh, and I hope I was perceived that way.”

And he anticipates everything being a bit strange at first. 

“It will be very weird,” Jarry said. “It’s going to be a whole new setting."

Opinion: The Penguins Need To Right The Ship - And It Starts With Their LeadersThe Pittsburgh Penguins are mired in their worst stretch of the season, and it's up to Sidney Crosby, Erik Karlsson, and Kris Letang to pull them out of it.

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On Monday, the Chicago Blackhawks put Laurent Brossoit on waivers. If he were claimed, that would allow him to play somewhere else. 

However, he was not and will report to the Rockford IceHogs. This transaction will make it easier for the Blackhawks to find a trade partner for Brossoit. 

Now that Brossoit has cleared waivers, the acquiring team could put him in the AHL if they feel it is necessary for the time being. If their eventual goal is for him to become their NHL backup, that would be ideal for Brossoit. 

If a team had claimed him, he would have had to stay on their NHL roster for at least 30 days. With him not playing an NHL game in over two years, there is obvious hesitation. 

Either way, this will allow him to continue playing games and regain his form. So far, he's played well in his return to pro hockey. 

The Blackhawks signed Brossoit ahead of the 2024-25 season with the intention of having him help stabilize the position. However, while he was hurt, they traded for Spencer Knight, and he became the number one right away. With Arvid Soderblom and Drew Commesso as backup options in the coming years, the need for Brossoit is no longer there. 

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The tenure of Detroit Red Wings 2018 second round (33rd overall) draft selection Jonatan Berggren has officially come to a close. 

Berggren, who was placed on waivers by the Red Wings on Monday afternoon, has been claimed by the St. Louis Blues. 

The Blues have claimed Jonatan Berggren off waivers from Detroit. #stlblues

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) December 16, 2025

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Berggren had scored two goals and four assists in 15 games this season.

His rookie campaign of 2022-23 showed promise, as he scored 15 goals with 13 assists in 65 games played. However, he would spend the majority of the following season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, appearing in only 12 NHL contests.

Red Wings Place Former High Draft Pick On WaiversDetroit Red Wings place former second round pick Jonatan Berggren on waivers Monday.

Last season, which would ultimately prove to be his last full campaign with Detroit, he appeared in 75 games and scored 12 goals with 12 assists. 

On June 30, the Red Wings re-signed Berggren to a one-year, $1.825 million deal. 

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The Montreal Canadiens have gotten some less-than-ideal news ahead of their Dec. 16 game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Canadiens have announced that defenseman Mike Matheson will not be in the lineup for their matchup against the Flyers. In addition, the Habs shared that Matheson is considered day-to-day due to his injury. 

With Matheson being one of the Canadiens' top defensemen, it is certainly tough news that he will not be in the lineup against the Flyers. Now, the Canadiens will need to adjust to not having him on their blueline as they look to extend their winning streak to two games. 

Matheson has appeared in 32 games so far this season with the Canadiens, where he has recorded four goals, 12 assists, 16 points, and a plus-7 rating. Overall, the left-shot defenseman is once again having a solid season for the Habs and landed his five-year, $30 million contract extension back in November because of it. 

It will now be interesting to see how the Canadiens respond to not having Matheson in the lineup against the Flyers from here. 

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The puck may not have been going in early for Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat, but once he scored his first goal of the season on Oct. 25 during the team’s historic comeback win over the St. Louis Blues, the floodgates opened.

DeBrincat now has 18 goals in 33 games and is on pace to set a new career high with 45 if he maintains his current trajectory. His previous best came during two 40-goal seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, and he nearly matched that mark last season with 39 goals.

The Farmington Hills, MI native scored five goals while adding four assists during Detroit's season-high six-game road swing, during which they earned nine of a possible 12 points up for grabs in the standings. 

Alex DeBrincat is off to a hot start! 😼 pic.twitter.com/4nJ2uAlq7P

— NHL (@NHL) December 11, 2025

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While DeBrincat has been known throughout his career for his goal-scoring abilities, head coach Todd McLellan touts the competitiveness he shows as one of his top attributes.  

"The competitiveness, he plays in some tough situations, and he plays against 6'4", 6'5" defensemen, and the top pairs some nights over and over again, and he remains competitive even when the gas tank runs empty, which it does sometimes," McLellan explained. "He brings it." 

"Not just this trip, but our - (assistant coach) Trent (Yawney) and my time with the Red Wings, we had an idea of how good Cat was, but he's shown us more than I would have known being in L.A. or San Jose and Edmonton all those years, just how well he competes. His shot, his offense, his mind, all that stuff. But just his competitiveness." 

"It's Special": John Leonard Excited For Upcoming Red Wings Debut The Detroit Red Wings called up forward John Leonard from the American Hockey League, where he was leading all scorers with 19 goals in 20 games.

DeBrincat is skating in his third season with the Red Wings since being acquired from the Ottawa Senators in July 2023, and he's been one of the club's most reliable sources of offensive production for the majority of his time in Detroit. 

They'll need him to continue providing timely offense in order to break through and bring Stanley Cup Playoff hockey to Little Caesars Arena for what would be the first time since the venue's opening in 2017. 

So far, there's little reason to believe that he won't. 

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The Montreal Canadiens are facing the Philadelphia Flyers on Dec. 16. The Canadiens will be looking to build off their impressive 4-1 win against the Edmonton Oilers in their last contest. 

While speaking to reporters, Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis announced that Jacob Fowler will be the Habs' starting goalie against the Flyers. Meanwhile, Jacob Dobes will be Fowler's backup, while Sam Montembeault will be in the press box. 

With Fowler being one of the Canadiens' most exciting prospects, fans will certainly be looking to see what the 21-year-old goaltender can do against the Flyers.

Fowler's most recent appearance for the Canadiens was against the New York Rangers on Dec. 13. The 2023 third-round pick allowed five goals on 29 shots in the Canadiens' 5-4 overtime loss to the Blueshirts. 

Fowler made his NHL debut for the Canadiens on Dec. 11 against the Pittsburgh Penguins and had a big performance, however. During it, he stopped 36 out of 38 shots he faced and picked up his first NHL win in the process.

It will now be very interesting to see how Fowler performs in his third career NHL game from here.