Senators Edge Canadiens in Thrilling Matchup

What we said beforehand

The upcoming matchup between the Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadiens is set to take place at the Canadian Tire Centre on September 26, 2026. This game is particularly intriguing as it features two teams with contrasting early-season performances; the Canadiens are currently undefeated in their last three games, while the Senators are struggling with a record of 0-2-1.

The Ottawa Senators have faced a challenging start to the season, with their last five results yielding four losses. Their recent games include a narrow defeat to the Montreal Canadiens, where they lost 3-2 in overtime on September 21, 2026, followed by a 4-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 23, 2026. In total, the Senators have scored an average of 2.4 goals per game in their last five outings, while allowing an average of 2.8 goals against.

In contrast, the Montreal Canadiens have been in strong form, boasting a perfect record of 3-0-0 to start the season. Their last five games show a solid performance, including a 4-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 19, 2026, and the recent overtime win against Ottawa. The Canadiens have averaged 3.0 goals scored per game in their last five, while allowing 2.6 goals against.

When comparing home and away performance, the Senators have struggled at home with a record of 0-2-1, while the Canadiens have found success on the road, winning all three of their away games thus far. This disparity in form could play a significant role in the outcome of the upcoming game.

Historically, the Canadiens have had the upper hand in recent meetings, with a head-to-head record of 4-1 against the Senators in their last five encounters. The last meeting on September 21, 2026, ended in a 3-2 overtime victory for the Canadiens, which adds to the pressure on the Senators to turn their fortunes around in this matchup.

In terms of injuries, the Senators will be missing several key players. Shane Pinto, Warren Foegele, Artem Zub, and Kurtis MacDermid are all out due to undisclosed injuries and a knee issue, while Jorian Donovan is listed as day-to-day. The Canadiens will also be without Ivan Demidov and Kaiden Guhle, who are out due to a foot injury and a groin issue, respectively. The absence of these players could impact both teams' strategies as they look to secure a win.

The betting market reflects the Canadiens' strong start, with odds favoring them in this matchup. The exact odds have not been specified, but the market suggests that the Canadiens are seen as the favorites given their recent form.

As for the conditions, the game will be played at the Canadian Tire Centre, where the Senators will look to leverage their home ice advantage despite their current struggles. Fans can expect an intense atmosphere as both teams vie for crucial points early in the season.

Viewers should watch for how the Senators respond to their recent losses and whether they can capitalize on their home advantage. Additionally, the performance of key players such as Hoyt Stanley for the Senators, who leads the team with one goal, and Phillip Danault for the Canadiens, who has two goals, will be critical in determining the outcome of this matchup. Overall, this game promises to be a compelling contest as the Senators seek redemption against a confident Canadiens squad.