Game 43 Preview and Open Thread: Ottawa Senators @ Montreal Canadiens

Since these team met last week, Montreal got clobbered by Boston 9-4 while the Ottawa Senators had arguably their best weekend of the season to date. Naturally I feel a bit trepidatious about this game because Montreal has to feel motivated after back-to-back pantsings by division rivals but at the same time, the Sens absolutely can and should school Montreal on the road (if only for the moms).

Also, if ever Jacques Martin wanted to employ the trap, I might try it tonight. If Montreal comes out with a chip on their shoulder then let them tire themselves out and wait for them to make a mistake. The offence will always show up for Ottawa by the end of the game, and Montreal is not Drederick Tatum.

Game Notes

• Goaltending at even strength has been Montreal's strength for much of the season. Maybe Ottawa can continue to get some of that on a regular basis.
• At five-on-five, Montreal's offence (2.48 xGF/60) is very bad and their defence is even worse (2.92 xGA/60). Go Sens Go. Montreal also has worse shooting luck (8.26%) than Ottawa but they get good even strength goaltending (92.18%) as noted.
• Montreal's powerplay (7.46 xGF.60) is pretty comparable to Ottawa's and they have better shooting luck (13.18%). However, on the penalty kill, Montreal (9.55 xGA/60) gives up way more than Ottawa and they do not get good goaltending shorthanded (83.91%). Sucks to suck!
• For Ottawa, Anton Forsberg remains injured long-term while Travis Hamonic and Dominik Kubalik appear day-to-day from what I can ascertain. Mark Kastelic will be the other scratch.
• Erik Brannström will draw in after being a healthy scratch on Sunday.
• Montreal has an absolute laundry list of injuries both short- and long-term including some not insignificant individuals (and some players I have never heard of): Kirby Dach, Christian Dvorak, Alex Newhook, Tanner Pearson, Carey Price, Chirs Wideman, and Jesse Ylonen.
• Expect Jake Allen to start for the dumpster babies.

Where to watch/listen: TSN2, TSN5, RDS, TSN1200 @ 7PMEST

Lines from Last Game:

Ottawa Senators

Montreal Canadiens

Stats