Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Frozen Four Habs’ Prospects Galore

April 1, 2024, 2:38 PM ET [106 Comments]
Karine Hains
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Follow me @KarineHains for all updates about the Montreal Canadiens and women's hockey

When the puck drops on the Frozen Four finals on April 11, the Canadiens will be well represented. Montreal has got players on three of the four finalist teams. Top-seed Boston College is backstopped by goaltender Jacob Fowler, the Habs’ third-round pick at the last draft. With last night’s overtime win, Fowler signed his 31st win of the season, the most ever recorded by a freshman goaltender. Al Montoya previously owned the record with 30. Fowler had a great season, and his numbers reflect that (2.20 GAA and .924 SP). The 19-year-old goaltender uses his big frame well and is an intimidating figure in net. After dispatching Quinnipac in overtime yesterday, Boston College will now take on Michigan in its semifinal.

Michigan is the only team that doesn’t feature a Canadiens’ prospect, but it shouldn’t be taken lightly by Boston College. The underdog caused an upset by eliminating Michigan State in the regional stage scoring five goals on Team USA’s World Junior Championship goalie, Trey Augustine. The 6’1’’ goaltender had a great record in that tournament posting a 1.75 GAA and a .936 SP. The Red Wings claimed him with the 41 overall pick at the last draft.

On the other side of the bracket, third-seed Denver booked its place in the finals thanks to a 2-1 win over Cornell. Canadiens’ prospect Sam Harris played a big part in the win, scoring the game-winning goal during a power play late in the second period. Harris was the Canadiens’ 5th-round pick or 133rd overall at the last draft. In 40 games, the 20-year-old freshman has put up 21 points consisting of 14 goals and seven assists. When he doesn’t have the puck, he doesn’t shy away from physical play and can land bone-crushing hits trying to get it back.

Denver will have quite a challenging game when they take on Boston University in their semifinal. BU can count on the consensus number one pick at the next draft Macklin Celebrini to be its offensive dynamo as always. The elite center had three assists in BU’s 6-3 win over the Minnesota Gophers. Two Canadiens’ prospects are also wearing BU colors: highly touted offensive defenseman Lane Hutson (62nd overall pick in 2022) and forward Alex Tuch (47th overall pick in 2020). Hutson was the difference maker in BU’s win as he scored the game-winning goal at even strength late in the second frame. BU’s other two goals were empty netters as Minnesota desperately tried to even the score.

Both semi-finals will be played on the 11th of April with Denver and Boston University taking to the ice first at 5:00 PM while Boston College and Michigan will jump on the ice at 8:30 PM. In case you’ve been living under a rock, you know that once Boston University is done, it is widely believed Lane Hutson will be signing his entry-level contract with the Canadiens. Should BU win on the 11th, Habs fans will need just a little more patience before the youngster puts pen to paper.
Join the Discussion: » 106 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Karine Hains
» In Hainsight: On the Contract Front
» In Hainsight: Former Montreal Canadiens in the Playoffs
» In Hainsight: End of Season Ratings – Goaltenders
» In Hainsight: PWHL Montreal Brings the Playoffs Back to Montreal
» In Hainsight: End of Season Ratings – Defensemen