Following a tough road trip that ended with an embarrassing loss in Denver, the Montreal Canadiens returned to the Bell Center to face the Ottawa Senators. Both teams were coming off losses and eager to rebound. Known for their intense rivalry, the game promised to be fierce, but Ottawa focused on disciplined play rather than escalating physicality, giving Montreal the edge in hits—though that was their only statistical advantage.
A key storyline was goaltender Samuel Montembeau. After a strong performance against the Las Vegas Golden Knights last week, hopes of a rebound were dashed as he struggled, letting in multiple goals and showing concerning lapses in puck handling. His glove seemed slow and unreliable, frequently dropping shots and failing to control rebounds, which put added pressure on his teammates.
Despite Montreal’s physicality and aggressive forechecking, Ottawa found space in dangerous areas and took effective shots. Coach Martin St. Louis highlighted the team’s defensive shortcomings and mental lapses rather than blaming the system. He emphasized attitude and consistency as critical issues, pointing out that understanding the system means little without focus and execution. St. Louis expressed frustration over the team’s uneven performances and the challenge of maintaining concentration, citing individual responsibility, especially mental errors like those made by captain Nick Suzuki.
The Senators’ captain embodied the pest role perfectly, irritating the Canadiens without drawing penalties and contributing offensively. He assisted on Ottawa’s second goal with a clever no-look pass and scored the final, deflating goal in the third period, prompting many fans to leave early. His persistent presence disrupted Montreal throughout the game, including physical plays that hindered the Canadiens’ key players.
The 5-2 defeat compounded the disappointment from Colorado, prompting players like Alexander Carrier to stress the importance of bouncing back against Winnipeg. However, the Canadiens’ inability to respond after their recent poor showing raises concerns. While St. Louis downplays shot quantity, it’s evident that without enough offensive pressure, Montreal’s goaltending vulnerabilities are exacerbated, as NHL goalies typically capitalize on limited chances.
Fan Take: This game highlights glaring defensive and mental weaknesses that could hinder Montreal’s playoff hopes, reminding hockey fans that grit and discipline still matter immensely. For the sport, it underscores the ongoing challenge teams face balancing physicality and focus to achieve consistent success in a highly competitive league.
