Montreal Canadiens vs Ottawa Senators Picks and Predictions October 12th 2024

Senators Aim to Extend Winning Streak Against Rival Canadiens: A Battle for Eastern Canadian Bragging Rights

The Ottawa Senators are gearing up for another chapter in their ongoing rivalry with the Montreal Canadiens, aiming to secure a 10th consecutive victory over their eastern Canadian foes. With the Senators eyeing their first 2-0-0 season start in eight years, Saturday night’s game in Montreal carries significant weight, not just for early-season momentum, but also for continuing their recent dominance over the Canadiens.

Ottawa’s Recent Dominance Over Montreal

The Senators have established control over the Canadiens in recent seasons, with an impressive 9-0-0 record dating back to March 19, 2022. During this streak, Ottawa has outscored Montreal 45-22, showing consistent superiority on both ends of the ice. The Senators have also won their last four games at Montreal’s Bell Centre, turning the tables in what was once a more balanced rivalry.

For a team that hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2017, this consistent success over Montreal stands out. It offers a silver lining amid Ottawa’s broader rebuilding efforts and serves as a source of pride for the Senators’ fanbase. Extending this winning streak to 10 games would solidify Ottawa’s continued dominance in this head-to-head matchup and provide a psychological advantage moving forward.

The Senators Seek a 2-0-0 Start for the First Time in Eight Years

Ottawa’s last 2-0-0 season start dates back to their 2016-17 playoff run, when they opened with victories over Toronto and Montreal. Since then, slow starts have been part of their struggles. However, with a strong 3-1 season-opening win over the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Thursday, the Senators have positioned themselves to finally break that trend.

Tim Stutzle, a rising star for Ottawa, led the charge with two goals, while Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark made 30 saves in his Ottawa debut. The Senators’ new coach, Travis Green, praised the team’s collective effort, noting that it was a “special night” where the entire lineup contributed to the victory.

For Stutzle, this strong performance is a hopeful sign after a disappointing 18-goal season last year, far below his career-best 39 goals in 2022-23. If Stutzle can continue producing at a high level, he will be crucial in Ottawa’s hopes of sustaining early momentum.

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Montreal Canadiens: Seeking Stability After an Up-and-Down Start

On the other side of the rivalry, the Canadiens enter Saturday’s contest with mixed results. Montreal opened the season with a narrow 1-0 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, but they faltered in a 6-4 loss to the Boston Bruins on Thursday. In that game, Montreal jumped to a 2-0 lead but quickly allowed Boston to storm back with three unanswered goals in the first period. By the end of the second, the Canadiens trailed 5-2, highlighting the team’s defensive issues.

Head coach Martin St. Louis acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that Montreal “took steps as a team,” but also recognized there’s “growing to do” before the Canadiens can perform consistently. Brendan Gallagher, a veteran forward, echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that while Montreal is progressing, they’re “clearly not there yet.”

Key Players to Watch for Montreal

Despite the early-season inconsistency, Montreal has received strong offensive contributions from Brendan Gallagher and Cole Caufield. Both players have already scored two goals apiece, and Caufield, in particular, has proven to be a thorn in Ottawa’s side, with seven goals in just 10 career games against the Senators. Gallagher, meanwhile, has three goals and five assists in his last nine games against Ottawa, making him a crucial part of Montreal’s attack.

In goal, Sam Montembeault is expected to return to the net after stopping 48 shots in the season opener against Toronto. His performance was a bright spot, but he’ll need to reverse a tough personal record against Ottawa, where he’s 0-3-0 with a 4.13 goals-against average. If Montembeault falters, the Canadiens might be forced to rely on Cayden Primeau, who struggled in Thursday’s loss, allowing six goals on 29 shots.

Goaltending: Ottawa’s Strength vs. Montreal’s Question Marks

Ottawa’s goaltending situation is a marked contrast to Montreal’s. Linus Ullmark, the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner, provided stability in his first outing for the Senators, but head coach Travis Green may opt to start Anton Forsberg on Saturday. Forsberg has been excellent against the Canadiens, winning his last six starts and boasting a 2.51 goals-against average in that span. Regardless of who starts, Ottawa appears to have a solid edge in the goaltending department.

Brady Tkachuk and Ottawa’s Supporting Cast

Ottawa’s captain, Brady Tkachuk, had an assist in the season opener and has been a consistent contributor during the team’s nine-game winning streak against Montreal, tallying six goals and eight assists during that stretch. Known for his gritty, physical style of play, Tkachuk is not just a leader on the ice but also the emotional heartbeat of the Senators. His continued production will be vital if Ottawa hopes to extend its dominance.

In addition to Tkachuk, the Senators have a well-rounded lineup, with multiple players capable of stepping up. If Stutzle, Tkachuk, and Ottawa’s goaltending tandem perform at their best, the Senators are well-positioned to win their second straight game of the season and keep their undefeated streak against Montreal alive.

Conclusion: High Stakes in a Heated Rivalry

As the Senators aim for a 10th straight victory over the Canadiens and a 2-0-0 start to the season, all eyes will be on the Bell Centre this Saturday. With Ottawa’s recent dominance over Montreal, a strong start from key players like Stutzle, Tkachuk, and their goalies could be the difference-maker. For the Canadiens, however, this game offers a chance to bounce back from their early-season inconsistency and prove they can hang with their rivals.

Regardless of the outcome, the stakes are high for both teams. For Ottawa, it’s about maintaining momentum and showing they can compete for a playoff spot this season. For Montreal, it’s a chance to break Ottawa’s hold on the rivalry and build on their potential as a team still finding its way.