This is one of those nights that you worry about in the schedule. First game back off a long and unsuccessful road trip, a rival coming to town (that is pushing for first place in the conference) and a fan base that will be split because of that team coming to town.
All in all it adds up to what could be a long night for Senators fans. Now, that being said the way things have gone for the Sens this season, they will most likely win the game.
Montreal is 2 points behind Tampa for first in the Atlantic Division (with 2 games in hand) after beating Columbus last night.
The Senators will have to show discipline because Montreal is on fire with the man advantage, and used that combined with some Blue Jacket lack of discipline to overcome a 2-0 deficit with a trio of third period power play goals. Max Pacioretty had a pair of those goals and P.K. Subban had the other, both Senators fan favorites.
Carey Price faced just 16 shots in the win, but appeared to hurt himself in a goal-mouth collision late in the second period. He finished the game but Dustin Tokarski will likely start to give Price some rest and recuperation. There isn't much doubt that Craig Anderson will be back in the net after a bit of an off game from Robin Lehner in Dallas.
The only time these teams met so far this season was just before Christmas where Price bobbled an easy shot and Erik Condra knocked the loose puck past him for a shorthanded goal less than three minutes in. It was all Montreal after that, as they finished with a 4-1 win in Montreal.
The Sens will be looking for a better fate tonight in front of their "Home" crowd. And just in case you anticipate some chanting from the Ottawa side tonight, Jean-Gabriel Pageau is pointless in 3 regular season meetings with the Habs since his 5 point playoff round in 2013, and has just 4 points in 45 regular season and playoff games total since the Sens knocked Montreal out.