As the Montreal Canadiens prepare to square off against the Ottawa Senators, there’s more than just two points on the line - there’s a bit of old-school edge in the air. When these two Atlantic Division rivals meet, it’s rarely just about the scoreboard. And tonight’s matchup has all the ingredients of a physical, emotionally charged battle.
One of the biggest storylines heading into this game? The Senators’ decision to potentially bench Nick Cousins in favor of the towering Kurtis MacDermid.
Cousins, known for his agitating style and ability to stir the pot, has been a regular source of friction in matchups against Montreal. But tonight, it looks like the Senators are going with a different kind of physical presence - one that doesn’t chirp as much as he challenges.
MacDermid hasn’t seen game action in weeks, but he’s been skating and is expected to draw into the lineup tonight. And let’s not kid ourselves - this move feels strategic. The Senators are inserting a heavyweight for a reason, and that reason likely wears a Habs jersey and answers to the name Arber Xhekaj.
Xhekaj, one of the league’s most respected young enforcers, has made a name for himself not just with his fists, but with his steady, physical play on the back end. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and brings a level of toughness that’s hard to ignore.
And the last time these two teams met, things got heated between him and MacDermid. That history isn’t lost on either bench.
MacDermid, speaking to reporters earlier today, didn’t shy away from giving Xhekaj his due:
“Of course he’s one of the best fighters in the NHL. He wouldn’t have come this far or earned that much recognition without that part of his game.”
That’s not just respect - that’s a prelude. A nod to what might be coming when the puck drops. Whether it’s gamesmanship or genuine admiration, MacDermid’s words add even more intrigue to a game that already had its fair share.
As for the projected Senators lineup, here’s how things are expected to shake out up front:
- Tkachuk - Stützle - Zetterlund
- Perron - Cozens - Batherson
- Amadio - Pinto - Giroux
- Cousins or MacDermid - Eller - Greig
On the blue line:
- Sanderson - Zub
- Kleven - Spence
- Matinpalo - Jensen
- Gilbert (extra)
With Cousins and MacDermid rotating during practice, it seems clear the Senators are keeping their cards close to the vest, but MacDermid’s full participation in the morning skate - while Cousins stayed out for extra work - is a strong indicator of who’s getting the nod.
On the Montreal side, it’s a bit of a wait-and-see situation on defense. All of the team’s D-men, including Arber Xhekaj, Adam Engstrom, and Jayden Struble, were on the ice in Brossard this morning and are expected to take warmups. Head coach Martin St-Louis will make his final decisions closer to puck drop, but signs point to both Xhekaj brothers dressing for this one.
It’s a divisional matchup with playoff implications down the road, but tonight might feel more like a throwback to the days when rivalries were built on bruises. With MacDermid stepping in and Xhekaj likely suiting up, expect the tone to be set early - and set hard.
Buckle up. This one could get loud.