Ottawa Senators Postgame: Canadiens Beat Sens, Again

Just a few days ago, the Ottawa Senators beat the Toronto Maple Leafs for the third time in a row this season. Tonight, they were on the wrong end of their third straight loss to a division rival, as the Montreal Canadiens got the best of them once again. The Senators were up 2-1 after two, and took a 3-2 lead partway through the third. That’s when everything fell apart. The Canadiens went on to score five goals in the final ten minutes of the game, two into an empty net, to win this game 6-3. Let’s dive into the details.

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Canadiens Out-Skate Senators

The Ottawa Senators are by no means a slow team. The Montreal Canadiens made them look slow at times tonight, though. There were two plays in the second period that stood out, with Thomas Chabot going back to retrieve the puck in his own zone. The first time, he slowed down, took the hit, lost the puck, and the Senators had to defend in their own zone. The next time he quickly passed the puck around the net to Travis Hamonic. The Senators lost the ensuing battle, and once again they had to defend in their own zone. These were both a product of the Canadiens speed on the forecheck.  It was their forecheck that helped them win the puck to create their third goal, as well. And of course, their speed also created their first goal on a breakaway.  All in all, the Senators need to better handle an aggressive forecheck.

Quiet First Line

The first line of Tkachuk, Stützle and Giroux was not good enough tonight. Giroux managed an assist on Amadio’s goal during some four on four play, but that was it as far as production goes for these three guys. These games against Montreal are bound to be physical, but the top line managed just one hit, from Stützle. That means Tkachuk went hitless, something that rarely happens. There’s some thought that Tkachuk might be playing hurt right now, and this type of lesser performance makes that seem likely. There are no excuses at this time of year. Every game matters, and the first line needs to be better.

Additional Notes

Sadly, the Senators wasted Travis Hamonic’s big offensive game. Having not scored a goal since December, 2023, Hamonic scored the go-ahead goal in the third period. His shot in the second ended up in the crease for Amadio to finish off, giving Hamonic a two point game after scoring just three points all season coming in. As nice as it was to see some production from Hamonic, this team could really use a healthy Nick Jensen. He’s so solid in his own zone.

Shane Pinto had a chance to play the role of hero on a feed in front from Sanderson late in the third. Instead, he couldn’t handle the pass and tripped the Canadiens player who was taking off the other way. It was a rare mistake for Pinto, who’s been playing so well lately. The Canadiens went on to score the winner on the ensuing power play. With this being the Ottawa Senators first loss since the trade deadline, is now the time to give Fabian Zetterlund an increased role?