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Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators Set for Strategic Skirmish at Canadian Tire Centre

As the Montreal Canadiens prepare to face off against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre, fans are eager to see if their team can bounce back from a recent shutout loss. The upcoming game, scheduled for April 13th, will be a test of resilience and strategy for both sides.


Jan 23, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Jake Allen (34) makes a save against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

The Canadiens have shown a mixed bag of performances in their last three outings. They secured a win against the Philadelphia Flyers with an impressive shooting percentage of twenty-four percent but fell short in their most recent match against the Carolina Hurricanes, failing to score despite twenty-six shots on goal. This inconsistency has been a theme throughout their season.


In terms of gameplay trends, Montreal's powerplay opportunities have not been fully capitalized on; they've had three chances in each of their past games but only managed to convert once against the Flyers. Their penalty kill has been more effective, maintaining a one hundred percent success rate during those same matches.


Jan 23, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki (14) plays the puck against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

Faceoffs have also been an area where Montreal could improve; they won forty-three percent against Carolina and fifty-four percent versus Colorado Avalanche – numbers that need to be bolstered if they are aiming for control over the game's pace.


Defensively, goaltending remains strong with save percentages holding steady at one hundred percent across even-strength play in all three games. However, this hasn't always translated into victories due to offensive shortcomings.


Jan 23, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Brannstrom (26) checks Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (17) into the boards during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

The Senators will provide stiff competition as they enjoy home advantage and will look to capitalize on any lack of cohesion within Montreal's ranks. Fans attending or tuning in via ESPN+ should expect an intense battle where strategic plays could tip the scales in either team’s favor.


Remembering that every game is crucial as we head towards playoff positioning, it’s time for Montreal Canadiens players to step up and deliver consistent performances worthy of their storied franchise. The puck drops at 7:00 PM Eastern Time on April 13th – don’t miss what promises to be an engaging contest between these two Canadian teams.

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