As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for a pivotal clash against their division rivals, the Ottawa Senators, the atmosphere within the team is charged with intense rivalry and high stakes. The Canadiens, currently sitting in fifth place with 71 points, are trailing behind the Senators, who have securely held onto fourth place with 77 points.
Arber Xhekaj, a prominent figure for the Canadiens, did not mince words when discussing the significance of the upcoming game. His blunt declaration about the Senators reflects the heightened emotions and competitive spirit surrounding this encounter. “Yeah, big time! [They’re] probably our least favorite team, I would say for sure,” Xhekaj’s statement to the press underscores the deep-seated rivalry between the two teams.
The Canadiens have had a mixed bag of results in their recent matchups against the Senators, winning both games this season, yet losing eight out of the last ten encounters. Adding to the drama, Ottawa comes into the game on a six-game winning streak, whereas Montreal has posted a strong 7-1-2 record in their last ten outings.
Key Players to Watch
The role of goaltenders will be crucial in this high-pressure game. Samuel Montembeault, with a 2-3-0 record against Ottawa, will need to step up his game, contrasting sharply with Anton Forsberg’s flawless 6-0-0 record against Montreal. Offensively, Nick Suzuki is expected to lead the Canadiens with 18 points in 27 games against Ottawa. Brendan Gallagher is another player who has historically stepped up against the Senators.
On the other side, Ottawa’s Claude Giroux stands out with 38 points in 49 games, and teammates Brady Tkachuk and Drake Batherson will also be pivotal in their team’s strategy against Montreal.
Off-Ice Dramas Add to the Tension
Adding to the pre-game tension, a recent practice session incident between Xhekaj and his teammate Michael Pezzetta highlighted the competitive and fiery nature of the Canadiens’ preparations. The skirmish, reported by Anthony Martineau, involved Xhekaj and Pezzetta getting physical during a drill, reflecting the intensity and passion brewing within the team as they prepare for the Senators.
The incident was quickly resolved, with both players discussing and moving past the altercation, a sign of the team’s resilience and focus. Xhekaj even joked about the incident later, saying, “I didn’t like his mustache this morning! No, seriously, these are intense practices. It’s all in good fun and part of the game… We’ll probably go out for dinner together tonight!”
High Expectations for an Intense Game
With both teams showing strong recent form, the upcoming game promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with strategic plays and personal battles. Montreal Canadiens’ head coach Martin St-Louis has emphasized the importance of maintaining both energy and balance, which will be key in overcoming the Senators and improving their standing.
As the game approaches, fans and analysts alike are keenly watching to see if the Canadiens can turn their recent momentum into a victory against their “least favorite team,” setting the stage for one of the season’s most anticipated matchups in the NHL.
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