Game-day Preview #51: Ottawa Senators @ Montreal Canadiens

With just six games left to go, the Sens are still mathematically alive, but just barely. They’ll look to continue to play the role of spoiler against a Habs team still looking to lock in to a playoff spot.

The Sens have looked like a different team since the trade deadline, with the jettisoning of middling veterans opening up lineup spots to exciting young prospects. It’s tantalizing to think what this lineup could look like for an entire season and for the first time in a long time, a return to the post-season doesn’t seem too far away. That will likely have to wait until next season though, as the microscopic chance to qualify this year would disappear with a loss tonight.

Even so, this version of the team has been fun to watch over the past few weeks, so here’s hoping the magic can continue for just a little longer.

Lineup Changes

DJ Smith has been his usual tight-lipped self when it comes to the lineup, which I am increasingly convinced is a personal attack on me. Filip Gustavsson being recalled indicates he might get the start in net with Ottawa’s injury woes at the position continuing.

The big question is whether or not we finally see Jacob Bernard-Docker back in the lineup tonight. Smith has said he wants to get him into a couple of games down the stretch, but time is running out. Pierre Dorion did a good job taking away most of Smith’s toys at the deadline, but Josh Brown is still inexplicably a fixture in the lineup while Bernard-Docker watches from the press box. Brown is known for his toughness but picked up zero fights in the four games against Vancouver while Brady Tkachuk picked up two, and Nick Paul, Ryan Dzingel and *checks notes* Erik Brannstrom each got into one.

Sens player to watch: Victor Mete

Part of the Sens’ turnaround these past few weeks has been due to their improved blueline. Victor Mete, a waiver addition on deadline day, has been a real nice addition and a solid contributor to the third pair. Last game, he notched his first goal with Ottawa in a 6-3 win over Vancouver.

Of course, the main reason he’s in this spot is that he’s going up against his old team in Montreal. Mete was once a highly-touted prospect for the Canadiens, but inconsistent play led the team to give up on him this season. Mete is still just 22-years old, so he’s got plenty of room to develop into the player they hoped he would become, but in the short-term a strong game against his old team would surely feel nice.

Opponent player to watch: Cayden Primeau

The opponent’s goalie is always going to be an important player to watch, and the hope is that we’ll be watching him fish the puck out of the net more often than not, but this game provides even more intrigue.

At just 21-years old, Cayden Primeau might be the future for Montreal between the pipes. The only problem is they already have Carey Price locked up for the next five seasons after this one. If you’re a Sens fan who likes drama among Ottawa’s rivals, Primeau could be a prime source of it in the coming years. He’s expected to get the start tonight in what is a win-win for Sens fans. If he’s bad, the Sens can continue their winning ways; if he’s good, the goalie controversy in Montreal may arrive ahead of schedule.