SENS, HABS TO CELEBRATE HISTORIC RIVALRY OUTDOORS

The timing is perfect for the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens to face off outdoors, but this one will happen under the stars.

As Canada celebrates its 150th birthday in 2017, the NHL enjoys its 100th anniversary season and the Senators mark their 25th year in the league, the party will end in style with an evening outdoor game against the Canadiens at TD Place stadium on Dec. 16.

Hockey Night in Canada wasn’t going to pass on this great matchup between the Senators and Habs, which will mark the 100th anniversary of the first game in NHL history played between Ottawa and Montreal at Dey’s Arena in Ottawa on Dec. 19, 1917.

“It was a night that launched 100 years of NHL hockey,” said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman at a Friday news conference at Fairmont Chateau Laurier. “We believe that (at) 100 years old, our game has never been faster, stronger, more skilled or better. We also believe the first 100 years are only the beginning.

“So to launch our next 100 years, we believe it’s only right to bring the Senators and the Canadiens back together.”

While the Senators wanted this game on Parliament Hill, those plans had to be scrapped when the federal government refused to allow the NHL to play there because of the logistics involved, security, the cost and time commitment of putting up 35,000 to 40,000 temporary seats.

Once those plans fell through, Senators owner Eugene Melnyk gave his blessing to the league to negotiate with the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group so the game can be held three weeks after the Grey Cup game at TD Place.

“This has got to be the bestkept secret in Ottawa,” said Melnyk with a smile. “Only the hockey gods could have figured this one out. I can think of no better place than to cap off our centennial celebrations in Ottawa.”