Canadiens’ Struggles and Resilience

Before the puck even dropped, the game was already clouded by the uncertainty surrounding star player Patrik Laine, who has a minor sprain but is expected to return this season. The Canadiens, however, appeared sluggish in the early stages of the game, likely affected by the news of Laine's injury.

In the first period, a strong defensive effort led by David Savard saw the Canadiens successfully kill off a penalty within the first minute. Alex Barré-Boulet and Brendan Gallagher then combined for a promising two-on-one opportunity. Despite some early offensive control, the Canadiens’ momentum shifted dramatically as shots on goal evened out at 2-2 as the period progressed.

The breakthrough came from Jake Evans, who capitalized on a defensive mistake to put Montreal on the board. However, tensions mounted as Kirby Dach was injured due to a questionable blind-side hit from Ridly Greig. The referees only assessed Greig a minor penalty, which sparked debate among fans and commentators alike, raising concerns about player safety in pre-season games.

Second Period: Senators’ Fury

The second period opened with a promising sign for Montreal as Dach returned to the game and quickly doubled the Canadiens' lead to 2-0. As frustration built within the Senators, a controversial hit from Arber Xhekaj on Tim Stützle was met with ire, leading to a major penalty. The Senators seized the opportunity, scoring three goals during the power play and turning the tide of the game.

Xhekaj's risky hit could have dire consequences, potentially landing him in the AHL with Laval Rocket. Montreal's youth showed promise, with Jayden Struble and Logan Mailloux generating offensive chances, while Adam Engström excelled as the power-play quarterback.

Coming Down to the Wire

As the third period commenced, the Senators capitalized again on a power play opportunity. Despite Montreal's attempts to claw back into the game, including a potential goal from Luke Tuch, which was ruled out due to timing, the rhythm was clearly in Ottawa's favor.

Tensions flared once more as Dach found himself in a tussle with Greig, resulting in a fight that reignited the competitive spirit of the game. Ottawa managed another goal, but the Canadiens used an offside challenge to successfully overturn it—demonstrating their willingness to fight for every inch.

In the closing moments, Joshua Roy displayed impressive skill but could not find the back of the net, ultimately sealing a 4-3 victory for the Senators.

Looking Ahead

For both teams, this game served as a significant lesson in how to protect their star players while navigating the aggressive tactics often seen in pre-season play. The Canadiens will need to regroup before their final pre-season matchup, and Ottawa's resilience will undoubtedly serve them in the regular season.

With the stakes rising as the teams prepare for their respective seasons, fans can expect even more exhilarating hockey ahead. Can the Canadiens find their offensive rhythm, or will the Senators continue their strong showing? One thing is for sure: the battle for dominance in the Canadian hockey landscape is just heating up!