The Montreal Canadiens secured a vital 3-2 victory against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night at the Canadian Tire Centre. This win was crucial for both teams as Ottawa fights to stay in the playoff race.
Key Events of the Match
- Ivan Demidov scored the winning goal with 7:20 remaining in the game.
- Goaltender Jacob Fowler made 32 saves, including several key stops in the closing moments when Ottawa pulled their goalie for an extra attacker.
- This marked Fowler’s first win since January 7 against the Calgary Flames and his first away victory since December 23.
Player Highlights
The match showcased several impressive performances:
- Ivan Demidov not only scored but also recorded an assist, reaching 51 points and becoming the second rookie this season to achieve 50 points, equaling Beckett Sennecke from the Anaheim Ducks.
- Juraj Slafkovsky also scored, now holding the record for the most points (164) in Canadiens history before the age of 22, surpassing Henri Richard’s record of 163.
- Alexandre Texier marked his return to the lineup by scoring a goal, replacing the ill Cole Caufield.
Game Dynamics
Fowler started the game by facing early pressure, resulting in a penalty against the Senators. This event drew the ire of coach Travis Green.
Despite Caufield’s absence from the power play, Montreal struck first. Nick Suzuki set up Demidov, who then assisted Slafkovsky, scoring from an open net.
Changing Fortunes
The game saw momentum shift multiple times:
- Drake Batherson equalized the score for Ottawa with 3:18 left in the first period, redirecting a pass from Brady Tkachuk.
- Batherson scored again shortly after, giving the Senators a brief lead.
- Slafkovsky had a missed opportunity to score during the second period, opting to pass instead of shooting.
Texier’s goal tied the game at 2-2, surprising goaltender Linus Ullmark with a wraparound effort. Demidov then broke the deadlock midway through the third period by taking advantage of a rebound from Alex Newhook’s shot.
Conclusion
The Montreal Canadiens have now achieved three consecutive victories, impacting Ottawa’s three-game winning streak. The atmosphere at the Canadian Tire Centre was charged as Montreal fans cheered, chanting “Go Habs Go.” The Canadiens’ momentum in this season continues, showcasing their determination to secure a playoff spot.
