In a fiery clash between division rivals, the Ottawa Senators emphatically ended a seven-game road trip by overpowering the Montreal Canadiens 5-2. The victory wasn’t just about two points; it was a statement of resilience, capped by a classic Brady Tkachuk performance that mixed skill with signature antagonism, leaving the Bell Centre crowd fuming and the Senators flying home with renewed momentum.
There are road wins, and then there are road trip-capping, rival-crushing victories that can redefine a team’s spirit. The Ottawa Senators secured the latter on Tuesday night, walking into a hostile Bell Centre and dismantling the Montreal Canadiens with a 5-2 scoreline that felt every bit as decisive as it looked.
For a Senators team that had been sputtering on a two-game skid to close out a season-long seven-game trek, this was more than a win—it was an exorcism. Led by a goal and an assist from both captain Brady Tkachuk and Fabian Zetterlund, Ottawa showcased the offensive depth and grit that fans have been waiting to see consistently.
An Offensive Onslaught Breaks the Canadiens’ Spirit
While Montreal struck first on a power-play goal from Juraj Slafkovsky just 3:37 into the game, the lead was fleeting. The Senators’ response was immediate and devastating. A mere 24 seconds later, Fabian Zetterlund silenced the crowd with a powerful one-timer, signaling that Ottawa would not be playing from behind for long.
The game was truly broken open in the second period. Jake Sanderson and Drake Batherson scored just one minute apart, transforming a tight 2-1 contest into a commanding 4-1 Ottawa lead. The quick-strike capability overwhelmed Montreal goaltender Sam Montembeault, who faced 29 shots and made 24 saves on the night. The balanced attack was on full display for the Senators.
- Fabian Zetterlund: 1 goal, 1 assist
- Brady Tkachuk: 1 goal, 1 assist
- Drake Batherson: 1 goal
- Jake Sanderson: 1 goal
- Artem Zub: 1 goal
Tkachuk Adds Insult to Injury
No victory over the Canadiens would be complete without a signature moment from Brady Tkachuk. After Montreal’s captain Nick Suzuki briefly cut the lead to 4-2, Tkachuk delivered the final blow. With 7:17 left in the game, he found the back of the net during a delayed penalty and immediately turned to the Montreal crowd, taunting them with relish. It was a moment that perfectly encapsulated his role as the team’s heart, soul, and chief agitator—a move that energizes his bench and infuriates opponents and their fans in equal measure.
Canadiens’ Power Play a Lone Bright Spot
For Montreal, the loss marks their second straight and highlights a concerning trend of defensive fragility. Their only offense came with the man advantage, as both Juraj Slafkovsky and Nick Suzuki scored on the power play. While efficiency on special teams is crucial, the inability to generate offense at 5-on-5 was their undoing. The Senators’ defense, anchored by goaltender Linus Ullmark, was stout when it mattered most. Ullmark was sharp when tested, stopping 19 shots for the victory, a performance confirmed by the official game summary [NHL.com].
Milestone Night and What’s Next
The game also marked a significant career milestone for Senators veteran David Perron, who skated in his 1,200th NHL game and picked up an assist. The 37-year-old Quebec native has enjoyed a long and successful career across eight different franchises, a testament to his durability and skill.
Looking ahead, this win provides a massive morale boost for Ottawa as they head home for a three-game homestand, beginning Thursday against the New York Rangers. For the Canadiens, the road doesn’t get easier; they face a quick turnaround, hosting the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday night. This loss serves as a harsh reminder of the work needed to compete in a tough Atlantic Division, a fact well-documented by ongoing league coverage [AP NHL].
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