Game 21 Preview and Open Thread: Montreal Canadiens @ Ottawa Senators

Brady Tkachuk sure seems to enjoy playing at the Canadian Tire Centre. After a well played game that ended in an overtime win, the Sens look to continue their good fortunes against the Montreal Canadiens tonight, again.

On Sunday, it was all about the youth proving themselves. Drake Batherson didn’t wait long to quiet down any talks of sitting him out with a beauty goal to tie the game. Josh Norris and Brady Tkachuk made sure to capitalize on any chances they got and while he didn’t have a goal, Tim Stützle continued to dazzle especially on our incredibly anemic power play. The biggest concern tonight will be Thomas Chabot’s status who has already missed two games and is a game-time decision tonight. While it’s a good test for the team to be able to manage without Chabot, this team still is not ready for such a challenge especially when the alternative is Braydon Coburn.

As per this morning’s practice, the lines for tonight’s game should be:

Game Notes

• While Thomas Chabot skated this morning, I don’t get the sense that he’s 100% comfortable to be back. The fact that he’s already played with a lingering issue is bad enough, I don’t see the reason for him to push himself any further. It’s not like there’s a playoff spot at stake here.

• There were some rumblings that Daccord might start tonight which prompted Ian Mendes to bring back some fond memories. That being said, Sens fans love to bring back traditions regardless of the circumstances so tonight, we all eat burgers! I should add, Matt Murray is the expected starter tonight.

• The addition of Michael Haley has been causing a lot of controversy. It seems both the media and fans don’t see the point of having him in the lineup even though the Habs have been taking more than a few liberties on the younger guys, specifically Tim Stützle. The problem here is technically we wouldn’t need Haley if Austin Watson or Erik Gudbranson were doing their jobs and let’s be honest neither one of these players have been posing any threat to the Habs whether in the physical or hockey playing departments. It may be an unpopular opinion, let Haley play. He won’t get many chances to due to his limited style of play so why not have him play a few games. If needed, he’ll be there to take the fighting majors and roughing penalties so players like Brady Tkachuk don’t have to.
• Drake Batherson will continue to be under the radar until he can prove (not to me) that he can provide consistent offensive results. I expect under strong game from him.
• Brady Tkachuk seems to be fired up to be back in Ottawa and judging from last game, he seems to enjoy playing the Habs so let’s hope for another pesky performance from him tonight.
• It’s about time we got another fantastic Tim Stützle goal, no?
• Josh Norris is among the leaders in the rookie category, looking for him to continue to quietly impress.
• You can catch the game at 7 PM on TSN5, RDS or listen on Team 1200