### Ottawa Senators Gear Up for Crucial Matchup Against Montreal Canadiens The Ottawa Senators are set to face the Montreal Canadiens tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET at the Canadian Tire Centre. This game is significant as it comes during the final stretch of the regular season, with the Senators currently holding a strong position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Senators recently showcased their prowess with a commanding 4-0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, which has bolstered their confidence heading into this matchup against their long-time rivals, the Canadiens [https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/preview-canadiens-at-senators-april-11-2025]. ### Breakdown of Recent Games and Current Standings 1. **Recent Performance**: - The Senators have been performing well, with a recent victory against the Blue Jackets, improving their record to 42-29-6 [https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/preview-senators-at-blue-jackets-april-8-2025]. - The Canadiens, on the other hand, are looking to regain momentum after a series of challenging games. 2. **Playoff Implications**: - The Senators are currently positioned favorably in the playoff race, while the Canadiens are fighting to stay relevant in the postseason conversation [https://timesng.com/blue-jackets-face-against]. - This game could be pivotal for both teams, impacting their playoff standings significantly. 3. **Head-to-Head Matchups**: - The Senators have had the upper hand in recent encounters, including a decisive win against the Blue Jackets just days prior [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/columbus-blue-jackets-77-pts-114222505.html]. - The rivalry with the Canadiens adds an extra layer of intensity to this matchup. ### Key Statistics and Data Points - **Current Standings**: - Ottawa Senators: 42 wins, 29 losses, 6 overtime losses (42-29-6) - Montreal Canadiens: Struggling to maintain a competitive record in the Eastern Conference [https://www.sootoday.com/national-hockey/senators-host-the-blue-jackets-in-eastern-conference-action-10484098]. - **Recent Game Results**: - Senators vs. Blue Jackets: 4-0 victory on April 6, 2025 [https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/preview-blue-jackets-at-senators-april-6-2025]. - Senators vs. Panthers: Game held on April 5, 2025 [https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/preview-panthers-at-senators-april-5-2025]. ### Conclusion: A Pivotal Game for the Senators In summary, tonight's game against the Montreal Canadiens is crucial for the Ottawa Senators as they aim to solidify their playoff position. The Senators are riding high on recent successes, while the Canadiens are in desperate need of a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. 1. **Current Form**: Senators are in good shape with recent victories. 2. **Playoff Stakes**: Both teams have significant implications riding on this game. 3. **Rivalry Factor**: The historical rivalry adds intensity to the matchup. The outcome of this game could be a defining moment in the Senators' quest for playoff success [https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/preview-canadiens-at-senators-april-11-2025].