Opinion
4 min read

Intense Showdown at Canadian Tire Centre: Montreal Canadiens vs Ottawa Senators

As the Montreal Canadiens gear up to face the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre, fans are on the edge of their seats anticipating what could be a defining moment in their season. The Canadiens, coming off a string of performances that have been as unpredictable as they have been thrilling, are poised to take on an opponent that has historically brought out both the best and worst in them.


Oct 25, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Jake Allen (34) makes a save during the first period of the game against the Minnesota Wild at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

In their last outing against the Detroit Red Wings on January 27th, MTL showed resilience and offensive prowess by netting 3 goals on just 23 shots, translating to an impressive shooting percentage of 13 percent. Despite ultimately falling short in overtime with a scoreline of 4-3, it was clear that when given opportunities, they can be lethal. Their powerplay unit failed to convert but boasted a faceoff win percentage of 100 percent during those critical moments – an aspect they'll need to capitalize on against OTT.


The defensive side saw MTL's goaltender making an admirable effort with a save percentage hovering around 90 percent across recent games. However, it's evident that there is room for improvement when facing high-volume shooters; this will be crucial against an Ottawa team known for its aggressive offensive play.


Looking back further at their January 25th game versus Boston Bruins where they lost with a scoreline of 4-2 reveals another layer to MTL's gameplay – vulnerability under pressure. They conceded three goals in quick succession during the third period after maintaining parity for much of the game. This pattern suggests that while MTL can hold their own defensively, there is potential for breakdowns late in games which could prove costly if not addressed.


On offense during this match-up with Boston Bruins, MTL managed only two goals from twenty-two shots reflecting a shooting percentage near nine percent – below what we've seen them capable of achieving. The powerplay did manage one goal from three opportunities which indicates some efficiency but also highlights missed chances which could have altered the outcome favorably for them.


The Canadiens' encounter with Toronto Maple Leafs on January 22nd ended more positively with a narrow victory in overtime (3-2). This game showcased both tenacity and tactical awareness as they overcame early setbacks by leveling up through even-strength play where two out of their three goals were scored—demonstrating balance between special teams and regular shifts.


As we look ahead to January 29th’s clash against OTT at Canadian Tire Centre scheduled at midnight UTC (7 PM Eastern Time), fans should expect nothing less than full-throttle hockey from both sides. With broadcast networks like ESPN+, CBC, SNE/SNO/SNP/TVAS providing coverage nationally and internationally - supporters worldwide won't miss any action-packed moments from this highly anticipated matchup.

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