When the Ottawa Senators face off against the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night at the Canadian Tire Centre, there's more than just bragging rights on the line. With two crucial points up for grabs, both teams will be looking to solidify their standings in a fiercely competitive Atlantic Division.
The Senators are coming off an impressive road trip, boasting a 4-0-1 record, capped by a 2-0 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. But there's no time for celebration as they gear up to host the Canadiens, with a national audience tuning in via Sportsnet.
Currently sitting three points shy of the Boston Bruins for the final wild-card spot in the East, the Senators have been on a roll with a 9-1-2 record in their last 12 games. To keep their playoff hopes alive, they need to maintain this momentum, especially with 12 of their remaining 19 opponents currently in playoff positions, including their arch-rivals, the Canadiens.
This matchup marks the fourth and final meeting of the season between these two teams. The Senators have a 1-0-2 record against Montreal, having outscored them 13-12. Their last encounter in Ottawa saw Montreal's Cole Caufield clinch a 6-5 overtime victory for the Habs.
Expect some fireworks in this heated rivalry. The Canadiens, considered the best team in Canada, have a storied history with Ottawa, and tensions have only escalated since both teams emerged from rebuilds to make playoff appearances last spring. Their pre-season clash was a penalty-filled affair, with 150 penalty minutes racked up in a 5-0 loss for Ottawa.
Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle have been thorns in Montreal's side, with Tkachuk tallying 15 goals and 30 points against the Habs in his career, while Stutzle has 10 goals and 24 points in 26 games. Stutzle is also riding a 13-game point streak, adding to his impressive season stats.
However, Ottawa faces a challenge with the absence of top defenseman Jake Sanderson, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Veteran Thomas Chabot has stepped up, taking on increased responsibilities, particularly on the power play. Chabot's partnership with Artem Zub will be crucial as the Senators navigate this stretch without Sanderson.
Nikolas Matinpalo, who recently returned to the lineup, and young talents Tyler Kleven and Jordan Spence, are expected to see increased ice time. Their performances against top-tier teams will be pivotal as Ottawa aims to stay competitive.
In goal, Linus Ullmark is set to return after James Reimer's shutout against the Canucks. Ullmark has been stellar since his return, posting a 5-0-2 record with a 2.43 goals-against average. His form will be vital as the Senators face back-to-back games against the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks this weekend.
As the Senators and Canadiens prepare to clash, fans can expect an intense battle with playoff implications hanging in the balance.