Game 57 Hub: Montreal Canadiens @ Ottawa Senators

Just two days ago, all of Canada was going berserk over their triumphant 3-2 overtime win over the United States in the final of the Four Nations Face-Off. Yes, it was a made-up tournament, but its larger implications and significance within the world made it so much more than that. It feels strange to so quickly go from the most intense matchup you might ever see with some of the best players in the world back to regular season NHL games with just a handful of those top players on each team.

That said it’s still at the point in the season where every game matters for the Ottawa Senators, as they are fighting for their playoff lives. They have 26 games remaining, and although Ottawa controls their destiny, they're far from guaranteed a playoff spot — especially after losing three straight divisional games heading into the two-week break. Tonight they return home to face the Montreal Canadiens, who have fallen six points out of a playoff spot, but I wouldn't count them out just yet. It's no surprise to hear us say again that this matchup is a big for one the Sens.

Tonight's lines are a big mess, with so many question marks. Jake Sanderson, Brady Tkachuk, and Nick Jensen are all game-time decisions, and Shane Pinto and Josh Norris hopefully returning soon.

These were the incomplete lines this morning:

Thankfully, Linus Ullmark is healthy and will start tonight. As for Montreal, these are the probable lines:

Game Notes:

• The potential absences of Tkachuk and Sanderson are due to needing rest after the Four Nations Face. If their absences are injury-related rather than fatigue, it's unknown what is ailing them. They both had excellent tournaments, and both even scored in the finals. Ottawa desperately needs both of them in the lineup down the stretch.
• Speaking of that, the lines without Tkachuk, Sanderson, and Jensen look incredibly rough. They'll need to play a very good shutdown game if they want to have a chance tonight, and luckily the Canadiens have given up the fourth most goals per game because the Senators could struggle mightily for offense.
• Ullmark only played 41:08 of the tournament for Sweden and then was sick for their final game, so he wasn't overworked or anything. He gave up seven goals in his first two games back with Ottawa but had save percentages of .919% and .915% because there were so many shots against. They'll need him to keep that up in the last stretch of this season.
• I'd love to see Stephen Halliday in this lineup. He was called up yesterday to practice with the team, yet he drove 4.5 hours later that day to play in Rochester for Belleville. I'm not sure why he isn't up here, but perhaps he's a late call-up for tonight's game.
• The Canadiens are perfectly healthy, which is in stark contrast to the Senators. Emil Heineman returns to the lineup after being out since January 11th.
• After briefly getting into a playoff spot, the Canadiens have gone 1-8-0 in their last nine games, including losing their last three. It would be great to see them fall out of the race sooner than later.
• Arber Xhekaj issued a "warning" to Tkachuk, which I find hilarious. He said, "I’m going to confront him. I’m going to go straight to him. I’m going to beat the crap out of him. I don’t care...I want to make his life (miserable)...I want his evening to be painful. What I give him must be stronger than what he gives.” Sure thing, buddy.
• The Senators have been quite streaky this season (what wild card team isn't?), and stopping a three-game losing streak here is incredibly important. They can't let any teams gain momentum on them.

Player Stats:

Team Stats: