The Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens had themselves a feisty pre-season.
The clubs met twice, and both games had their surly moments. There was Ridly Greig’s late hit on Kirby Dach, Arber Xhekaj’s high hit on Tim Stutzle, and several fights and scrappy moments.
If that was their tone in the pre-season, what are we in for in a game that matters?
The Senators are in Montreal to face the Canadiens on Saturday night. Ottawa opened the season on Thursday with an impressive 3-1 victory over the Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers. Linus Ullmark made 30 saves, and Tim Stutzle scored twice.
The Canadiens started well, too, defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs 1-0 on Wednesday. Sam Montembault played out of his mind in that game, picking up the shutout. But the Habs had to go again on Thursday and fell 6-4 to the Boston Bruins. Cayden Primeau didn’t fare quite as well, giving up six goals on 29 shots. Two of the goals came from former Senator Mark Kastelic, acquired in the Ullmark deal.
While the Battle of Ontario has a long history, the Ottawa-Montreal rivalry seems to have more juice these days, particularly with both clubs trying to get up off the mat in the Atlantic Division.
“I think rivalries are great for the game,” head coach Travis Green told the media on Friday. “It would make sense that there’s one built between teams in close proximity to each other. But rivalries are also built through intense competition, intense times like playoff hockey. I think (the rivalries) would only grow if all three teams were in the playoffs.”
While this rivalry has been heated, it’s been one-sided on the scoreboard lately. The Senators have won the last nine matchups, a streak that dates back to March 19, 2022. As if the Canadiens aren’t haunted enough by their Brady Tkachuk draft regret, he’s been a thorn in their side as well, posting 14 points in his last ten games against Montreal.
The Senators will try Noah Gregor in the top six with Josh Norris and Drake Batherson. Ridly Greig will take Adam Gaudette’s spot at centre on the fourth line. Zack MacEwen gets the start, signalling that head coach Travis Green wants to be ready for shenanigans.
Ottawa’s Probable Roster for Saturday night:
Montreal’s Probable Roster for Saturday night:
The Habs honour their past as well as anyone in the NHL so it’s quite likely they’ll take a moment in the building for Donnie Marshall, who passed away this week. He was the only player remaining from the Canadiens roster who was part of all five consecutive Cups in their 1950s dynasty.
Speaking of history, at the morning skate today, Jacques Martin and Patrick Lalime were spotted chatting in the stands. It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since Game 7 in the final Battle of Ontario – the dreaded Joe Nieuwendyk game. That playoff game was the end of the line in Ottawa for both men. After the cancelled season, they were replaced by Bryan Murray and Dominik Hasek.
Ullmark, like Joonas Korpisalo before him, tipped his cap to the former Senator this season by having Marvin the Martian painted on his mask as Lalime did. They even posed for a photo this morning.
Faceoff is 7 pm (CityTV, Sportsnet East, Sportsnet ONE, TVA Sports)
