Canadiens Edge Senators in Overtime Thriller

What we said beforehand

The upcoming NHL matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators promises to be an intriguing contest, especially with both teams entering the game under different circumstances. The Canadiens boast a perfect home record of 2-0-0, while the Senators will be looking to kick off their season after not having played any games yet. This game will take place at the Colisee Videotron on September 21, 2026, at 23:00 UTC.

Montreal comes into this game with a mixed bag of recent results. In their last five games, they have secured three wins and two losses, with their most recent victories coming against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where they won 4-1 and 4-3 in overtime. However, they faced three consecutive losses to the Carolina Hurricanes before those wins, indicating some inconsistency in their performances. On average, the Canadiens have scored 2.8 goals and allowed 2.4 goals in their last five games.

In contrast, the Senators have not played a game yet this season, but their last five games from the previous season show a record of 1 win and 4 losses. They managed to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1 but suffered four consecutive losses to the Carolina Hurricanes, indicating a struggle against that opponent. Their scoring average in those games was 2.0 goals, while they allowed 3.0 goals per game.

Home and away performance adds another layer to this matchup. The Canadiens have a strong home record of 2-2 in their last four home games, while the Senators will be looking to improve their away record of 1-3 from last season. Montreal has averaged 2.9 goals scored and 2.4 goals allowed at home, showcasing their ability to defend well while also being effective offensively. Ottawa, on the other hand, has struggled on the road, particularly in their last five away games, where they averaged 1.6 goals scored and 4.0 goals allowed.

Historically, the Canadiens have had the upper hand in recent encounters, leading the head-to-head record 3-1 this season. Notably, they won their last two meetings, including a close 3-2 victory on March 11, 2026, and a high-scoring 6-5 win on January 18, 2026. The Senators' last victory against Montreal was a 5-2 win at home on December 3, 2025, indicating that the Canadiens have been dominant in this rivalry lately.

In terms of injuries, the Canadiens will be without defenseman Kaiden Guhle due to a groin injury. The Senators face a more significant challenge, with several key players out, including Kurtis MacDermid (upper body), Warren Foegele (undisclosed), Thomas Chabot (personal reasons), and Artem Zub (lower body). The absence of these players could impact Ottawa's performance, especially considering they are already starting their season against a team that has shown recent strength.

The betting market has priced the Canadiens as favorites for this matchup, reflecting their strong home form and the Senators' absence of games played this season. The odds indicate that the Canadiens are expected to perform well, given their recent successes and the Senators' current injury situation.

As for the conditions, the game will be played indoors at the Colisee Videotron, which typically provides a controlled environment for both teams. Fans can expect a competitive atmosphere as the Canadiens look to maintain their home winning streak while the Senators aim to start their season on a high note.

Viewers should watch for the performances of key players like Phillip Danault, who leads the Canadiens with 2 goals, and Lane Hutson, who has 2 assists and 3 points in the last five games. The Canadiens' ability to capitalize on their home advantage and the Senators' response to their injury woes will be crucial factors in determining the outcome of this matchup.