The preseason game between the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators, though technically not competitive, felt monumental for those involved. Hosted at the Colisée Vidéotron in Trois-Rivières, the event drew a capacity crowd of 4,500 passionate hockey fans—mostly Canadiens supporters—since finding Senators apparel was quite a challenge in Canadiens’ territory. Hosting the game in Saint-Boniface wouldn’t have been practical due to its limited size, so the decision to play at the larger Colisée Vidéotron, a short 23-minute drive away, allowed more fans to see the action live. The $250,000 Kraft Hockeyville prize will be invested back into the small arena to upgrade players’ dressing rooms, bathrooms, boards, glass, and the roof, a move praised by Canadiens forward Zachary Bolduc, who played there in his youth. Saint-Boniface is the 18th recipient of the Kraft Hockeyville award since its inception in 2006.
For some Canadiens rookies, the game served as a vital opportunity. After impressing against the Toronto Maple Leafs, David Reinbacher and Florian Xhekaj earned another chance to showcase their skills in front of Head Coach Martin St-Louis, and they didn’t disappoint. Reinbacher’s play early in the game—standing up to a fast Sens opponent and safely passing the puck—highlighted his defensive composure, which teammate Lane Hutson praised as impressive. Meanwhile, Xhekaj’s physicality was on display with impactful hits and aggressive forechecking, integral to his style of play. St-Louis commended Xhekaj’s consistent physical presence and skating, emphasizing the value of adding grit to the team. The coach acknowledged the importance of players knowing when to step up and when to play within the system, a balance that Xhekaj appears to be developing.
Despite the promising performances, the Canadiens continue to struggle with consistency, particularly in the middle frame of games—a common issue for their young squad. St-Louis noted the need for better execution in these periods, which has been a challenge since last season. Hutson also commented on the team’s strong puck movement in the first and third periods but recognized the necessity of fixing the middle game to avoid energy drain, especially relevant in the playoffs where stamina is critical.
Kirby Dach’s position remains uncertain. Despite recent opportunities, he showed little impact in the game, with minimal points and a lack of evident engagement, raising questions about his future role. His contract situation—an inexpensive two-way deal rather than a more lucrative one—served as a warning sign that his place on the roster isn’t guaranteed. St-Louis praised the effort of Dach’s line but admitted he remains unsure of Dach’s fit within the team, especially considering the intensity levels needed at this stage of camp. With only one preseason game remaining, a split-squad match against the Senators is upcoming, giving players still vying for a spot their last chance to impress.
Fans and analysts watch these preseason developments closely—they are early indicators of team cohesion, player potential, and coaching strategies that will shape the regular season. This period is essential for building a competitive edge and addressing weaknesses before the real battles begin.
Fan Take: These preseason moments might seem minor, but they offer crucial insights into the Canadiens’ evolving lineup and team chemistry. For hockey enthusiasts, how players perform now can foreshadow the team’s success or struggles come opening night—making every game a valuable puzzle piece in the season’s story.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
