Senators, Habs set to renew hostilities
There’s been no shortage of bad blood built up between the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens in the last couple of games.
Trying to get under Senator Zack Smith’s skin in a 5-2 Habs victory in Montreal on Dec. 4, Max Domi was caught mouthing “waivers” at the Ottawa forward from the bench.
Smith got his payback with a stick to Domi’s groin off a faceoff during the next game in Ottawa two nights later. The duo were at each other the rest of the game. Will the hostilities carry over into Saturday’s game when Montreal (16-11-5) hosts Ottawa (13-15-4)?
Here are five things to watch for on Saturday at the Bell Centre: Familiar opponent of late
This will be the third time the Senators have faced the Habs in the last 12 days and the final meeting of the season between these two teams. The Senators are coming off back-to-back 5-2 losses in the first two games earlier this month. Ottawa did score a 4-3 shootout win over the Habs at home on Oct. 20.
Start the backup
Sens backup goalie Mike McKenna has collected three of four points in his last two starts. Meanwhile, starter Craig Anderson has a 12-13-5 lifetime record versus the Habs with an .895 save-percentage and a 3.23 goals-against average. Since the Senators have dropped five straight at the Bell Centre, they might as well give McKenna a shot here.
Tough back-to-back
The Senators were in Detroit on Friday night and then made the trek to Montreal. There won’t be any pre-game skate on Saturday. This is the fifth set of back-to-back contests this season for Ottawa. The Senators are 2-2-0 in the first games of back-to-backs and sport a 1-1-2 record in the second games.
Step up and get it done
With top centre Matt Duchene sidelined with a lower body injury, a guy who could step up to get the job done is winger Ryan Dzingel. He’s in a contract year and has 12 goals in 30 games this season to date. He has the potential to help lead the way offensively here.
Get to Price
This will be Montreal goalie Carey Price’s 41st career appearance against the Sens. He has a 24-9-5 lifetime record versus Ottawa with a .921 save percentage and a 2.32 goals-against average. He’s been solid in his club’s last two games against the Sens. Ottawa has to find a way to make life more difficult for him.