Here. We. Go.
When the schedule-makers came up with the idea to have the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens face-off three times in eight days, they had no idea the stakes would be this high. It’s a bizarre bit of scheduling that will go a long way towards deciding who wins the Atlantic Division this season.
Tonight in Ottawa. Tomorrow night in Montreal. Then again at the Bell Centre next Saturday night.
Just a single Point separates the two teams heading into this weekend set. Montreal has a 39-23-8 record and 86 points. Ottawa has a 39-23-7 record and 85 points. It’s that close. A couple months ago it looked like the Habs were going to run away with the top spot in the division but the Sens have chased them down. A division title would have seemed damn near impossible at the half way mark and now, it’s there for the taking. Three so-called four point Games in a little over a week.
While the Battle of Ontario had a little more hatred to it in the past, there’s no doubt who Ottawa’s biggest rival is at this point. Two playoff series in the last four years will do that, I suppose. If you’ve been to the CTC for a Habs/Sens gamE, you’ll know there’s nothing quiet as obnoxious as that stupid Ole chant. And the sight of all those Montreal jerseys is enough to make the blood boil.
All the rivalry is missing is a catchy nickname at this point.
Guy Boucher has his team on the ice for the morning skate and it looks like they’ll make one change on defence. Mark Borowiecki looks like he’s ready to return which woUld mean Freddy Claesson comes out. Here’s how Boucher has his team lined up.
Smith-Turris-Ryan
Hoffman-Pageau-Pyatt,
Dzingel-Brassard-Burrows
Stalberg-Kelly-Wingels
Methot-Karlsson
Phaneuf-Ceci
Borowiecki-Wideman
Craig Anderson was in the starter’s end at the morning skate but Mike Condon was the first one off. Sounds like it will be Condon tonight and then Anderson tomorrow in Montreal. Chris Driedger was returned to Binghamton yesterday.
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM.
Go. Sens. Go.
And, just because…
