Demidov’s Game-Winner Lifts Canadiens Over Senators

OTTAWA – Ivan Demidov scored the game-winning goal with 7 minutes and 20 seconds remaining, propelling the Montreal Canadiens to a 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night. The win marked the Canadiens’ third consecutive victory.

Game Recap

Demidov’s decisive goal came off a rebound from an Alex Newhook shot, beating Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark. Juraj Slafkovsky and Alexandre Texier also scored for Montreal, while Jacob Fowler secured the win with 32 saves. Drake Batherson netted both goals for Ottawa.

Key Moments

• First Period: The Senators took a 2-1 lead after the first period, with Batherson scoring both goals – the first on the power play and the second with less than two minutes remaining.
• Second Period: The Canadiens tied the game when Alexandre Texier scored a wraparound goal, evening the score at 2-2.
• Third Period: Demidov’s goal broke the tie, giving Montreal a lead they would not relinquish.

Player Performances

• Ivan Demidov (MTL): Scored the game-winning goal and added an assist.
• Jacob Fowler (MTL): Made 32 saves in the win.
• Drake Batherson (OTT): Scored both goals for the Senators.
• Tim Stützle (OTT): Recorded his 100th career multi-point game and extended his point streak to 14 games with eight goals and 11 assists.
• Juraj Slafkovsky (MTL): Opened the scoring with a power-play goal, reaching his 164th point and surpassing Henri Richard for the most points by a Canadiens player before turning 22.

Team Updates

• The Canadiens recalled goaltender Jacob Fowler from the AHL’s Laval Rocket, who started in goal against the Senators.
• Cole Caufield missed the game due to the flu and was replaced by Alexandre Texier.
• Arber Xhekaj sat out, with Jayden Struble taking his place on defense.
• Jake Evans played in his 400th NHL game.

Looking Ahead

The Canadiens will look to continue their winning streak in their next game, while the Senators will aim to bounce back from this defeat.

Sources: Montreal Gazette, TSN, AP News, NHL.com