In an electrifying encounter at the Bell Centre, the Montreal Canadiens rallied to defeat the Ottawa Senators 6-3 on March 18, 2025, marking their crucial entry into playoff contention.
The victory was pivotal as it not only halted the Senators' impressive six-game winning streak but also propelled the Canadiens past the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference standings, giving them 73 points against the Rangers' 72.
The Canadiens, known for their recent struggles, were buoyed by the performances of Josh Anderson, Nick Suzuki, and Christian Dvorak. Dvorak opened the scoring just 2:07 into the game, showcasing skill on a breakaway to deke around Senators goalie Linus Ullmark, who had had a stellar season up until this point. Throughout the game, however, Montreal's defensive lapses allowed Ottawa to respond repeatedly, with Travis Hamonic, Michael Amadio, and Drake Batherson all scoring for the Senators.
As the game entered the final period, the Canadiens found themselves trailing 3-2 yet again, prompting a fierce comeback in the closing minutes. Lane Hutson tied the game early in the third, igniting the spark needed for the Canadiens.
Nick Suzuki, who has been a standout among his peers, notched the game-winning power-play goal at 15:23. This came after Ullmark failed to cover the puck cleanly, leaving the net wide open. Suzuki’s goal marked his 70th point of the season, making him the fastest player since Pierre Turgeon and Vincent Damphousse in 1996 to reach that milestone.
Brendan Gallagher and Anderson also contributed significantly by scoring empty-net goals, sealing the Canadiens' impressive victory. As the clock wound down, fans erupted in cheers, reflecting how important this win was for the team, especially with their upcoming tough schedule of five away games in their next six.
For Ottawa, the evening marked a disappointing end to their streak, as they aimed not only to chase playoff spots but also to reclaim momentum. Their attempts fell short despite strong performances in the early game and a solid season overall, remaining competitive within the Eastern Conference.
Sam Montembeault stood tall in goal for the Canadiens, saving 22 shots and helping protect his team during critical moments of play. His counterpart Linus Ullmark, while initially demonstrating excellent form, ultimately struggled against a revitalized Canadiens offense, recording 27 saves.
The matchup highlighted the intensity and rivalry of these two teams within the league, especially with both vying for postseason positions. With the series now favoring Montreal at 3-0 this season, Ottawa is gearing up for their next huge game against the Colorado Avalanche, while the Canadiens look ahead to face the New York Islanders.
The Canadiens have demonstrated an impressive resilience this season, reversing two deficits to secure a crucial win that showcases their transformation from a struggling start to a more confident and determined team. As they prepare for their next games, the ALove affair with the playoffs intensifies, leaving fans hopeful.
Looking ahead, both teams face challenges in maintaining their current momentum as they plunge deeper into the final weeks of the season. With the playoffs looming, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The thrilling face-off at the Bell Centre has undoubtedly set the tone for what only promises to be a captivating conclusion to the NHL season.
