Montreal Canadiens Edged Out in Shootout Drama at Canadian Tire Centre
The Montreal Canadiens, with a record of 3-2, faced off against the Ottawa Senators, who held a 4-1 record. The final score read 5-4 in favor of the home team after a nail-biting shootout.
The Canadiens opened the scoring in the first period but were matched by the Senators' effort to end it tied. The second period saw an impressive surge from Montreal, netting two goals to Ottawa's one. However, as the third period unfolded, Ottawa responded with two goals to level the game once again. Despite both teams' efforts during overtime, neither could secure victory leading to a decisive shootout.
Montreal's goaltender showcased remarkable skill throughout the match with an impeccable save percentage of one hundred percent and forty saves overall. However, it was during this critical shootout that Ottawa managed to slip one past him while he successfully saved two shots. On offense, Montreal demonstrated efficiency with their shooting percentage at sixteen percent from twenty-five shots and ten points earned collectively by players.
Special teams played a significant role for both sides; Montreal capitalized on one out of three powerplay opportunities thanks to their five-on-four advantage lasting just under five minutes. They also scored shorthanded once from only one shot taken while down a man.
Defensively speaking, Montreal was robust; they blocked sixteen shots and delivered twenty-five hits throughout playtime which spanned sixty-five minutes including overtime. Faceoffs were evenly contested between both teams each winning fifty percent of fifty-six faceoffs indicating balanced competition at center ice.
On the other side of the puck, Ottawa's powerplay unit proved more effective scoring three times on six chances largely due to their fourteen shots taken during these man advantages which lasted over ten minutes cumulatively.
As for what lies ahead for Habs fans eager for redemption after this close contest – The Montreal Canadiens will be visiting Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on April 15th where they'll take on Detroit Red Wings. Fans can catch all action live as it unfolds starting at 7:00 PM Eastern Time broadcasted via ESPN+ online and BSDETX television network.