MONTREAL - In a crucial matchup for both teams battling for playoff positioning, the Montreal Canadiens triumphed over the Ottawa Senators 6-3 at the Bell Centre on Tuesday night. This victory not only snapped the Senators' impressive six-game winning streak but also propelled the Canadiens into playoff contention.
Nick Suzuki's power-play goal with just 4:37 left in the third period was the turning point, thrusting the Canadiens ahead 4-3 after a back-and-forth encounter. Suzuki buried the puck into an open net after Senators goalie Linus Ullmark failed to control it, marking a dramatic moment in a fiercely contested rivalry.
"In a perfect world, somebody would have gone to get his stick for him (because) it was too far away for him to get it. It’s easier said after the fact,” said Travis Green, head coach of the Senators, reflecting on Ullmark's earlier mishap which set the tone for the Canadiens' comeback.
Josh Anderson was a standout for the Canadiens, scoring twice, including a clutch game-tying goal early in the third period. His contributions were vital in shifting the momentum in favor of Montreal. Anderson also drew the penalty that led to Suzuki's power-play goal.
Interestingly, Anderson's participation in the game was in doubt after he was hit by an errant skate from teammate Shane Pinto, but he managed to return to the ice and play a key role in the victory.
The scoring opened early in the match, with Christian Dvorak netting a goal only 2:07 into the game on a breakaway, skillfully maneuvering around Ullmark after he lost his stick in play.
Drake Batherson quickly equalized for the Senators, scoring at 16:42 of the first period. The Senators displayed a strong second period when Michael Amadio put them ahead 2-1, tipping in a loose puck that went through Montreal goalie Sam Montembeault.
However, the Canadiens rallied in the third period. Lane Hutson tied the game for Montreal just moments into the period, firing in a shot from a faceoff play that left Ullmark with no chance to recover.
Travis Hamonic responded for the Senators with his first goal of the season, briefly giving Ottawa a 3-2 lead before Anderson scored again to tie the game once more. "You want to close it out, and we weren’t good enough close to the whole third period," lamented Hamonic after the game.
Montreal capped off their scoring with empty-net goals from Anderson and Brendan Gallagher in the final minutes of the game, sealing a 6-3 victory and keeping their playoff hopes alive. The Canadiens are now just one point behind the New York Rangers for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
"They played well in the third period," said Batherson, highlighting the critical performance of the Canadiens and acknowledging the challenge for Ottawa in closing the game.
This match marked the third victory for Montreal against Ottawa this season, with another face-off scheduled for April 11 in Ottawa that could have significant playoff implications.
The Canadiens entered the game with a record of 33-27-7, while the Senators held a 36-26-5 record. Both teams have been riding high in recent weeks, with Ottawa at 7-2-1 in their last ten games and Montreal at 7-1-2. The competition was fierce, as both squads battled not just for pride but for critical points in the playoff race.
As the season approaches its final month, every game is crucial. The Canadiens, who have revitalized their performance thanks to a strong roster and strategic plays, will look to continue their winning ways as they head into a matchup against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Senators will need to refocus, as they prepare to face the Avalanche as well, aiming to reclaim their winning momentum.
This high-energy game showcased not just the rivalry between the teams but also the intense stakes of the playoff race, captivating fans and leaving both teams hungry for the next encounter.
In essence, the Montreal Canadiens capitalized on their opportunities to win against the Ottawa Senators in what was arguably their most significant game of the season so far. With their postseason aspirations now within reach, the Canadiens will continue to strive for a spot, while the Senators hope to bounce back swiftly in their upcoming matches.
