The Ottawa Senators edged the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 on September 26, 2026, at Canadian Tire Centre, marking the end of Montreal’s perfect start while Ottawa improves to 1-3-1.
The Ottawa Senators defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 in an Atlantic Division opener played on Saturday night, September 26, 2026, at Canadian Tire Centre. The victory ended the Canadiens’ perfect 4-0 start, dropping them to 4-1-0, while the Senators improved their record to 1-3-1. Veteran forward Claude Giroux was the decisive factor for Ottawa, recording a game-high three points, including one goal and two assists. Despite a strong two-point performance from Montreal’s Sasha Pastujov, defensive lapses allowed Ottawa to secure the narrow margin of victory.
Ottawa Senators Performance
Ottawa relied on veteran leadership to navigate a tightly contested affair against their historic rivals. Claude Giroux anchored the offensive attack, contributing significantly to every goal-scoring opportunity. His ability to create scoring chances and finish plays proved superior to Montreal’s defensive structure throughout the contest. The Senators also received key contributions from rookie William Eklund, who registered a goal in the win, adding depth to the scoring lineup when it mattered most.
The win provided a much-needed boost for a Senators team that had struggled early in the 2026-27 campaign. Sitting seventh in the Atlantic Division, Ottawa needed to capitalize on home ice against a division rival to build momentum. The gritty nature of the victory highlighted the team’s resilience, even as they managed a growing list of injury concerns. Forward Drake Batherson, recently signed to an eight-year, $86 million extension through the 2034-35 season, represents the long-term commitment the organization is making despite early-season standings challenges.
Montreal Canadiens Performance
Montreal entered the game with high expectations after a flawless start to the season, but they ultimately fell short against a resilient Ottawa squad. Sasha Pastujov emerged as the bright spot for the Habs, tallying two points on one goal and one assist. However, beyond Pastujov, the Canadiens struggled to generate consistent scoring pressure, failing to overcome Ottawa’s defensive adjustments and timely goaltending.
The loss ends Montreal’s undefeated streak and tightens the race in the Atlantic Division. While the Canadiens remain atop the standings at 4-1-0, the defensive struggles displayed—allowing four goals against—highlight areas that require immediate attention before the schedule intensifies. The team will look to regroup and address these lapses as they prepare for their next fixture. Additionally, the franchise faced a somber note off the ice with the passing of former majority owner George Gillett Jr. at age 87, marking a significant moment for the community as the season continues.
Turning Point and Key Factors
The game was defined by individual brilliance amidst structural vulnerabilities. Ottawa’s ability to leverage Giroux’s playmaking created separation in critical moments, while Montreal’s inability to sustain offensive zone time allowed Ottawa to control the tempo. The final score reflected a game where small margins dictated the outcome, with Ottawa capitalizing on opportunities that Montreal could not convert.
- Claude Giroux’s Dominance: The veteran recorded a game-high 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists), leading all scorers and providing the offensive spark Ottawa needed.
- Pastujov’s Standout Night: Sasha Pastujov led Montreal with 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist), serving as the primary offensive catalyst for the Habs.
- Eklund’s Contribution: Rookie William Eklund scored a crucial goal, adding necessary depth to Ottawa’s offense.
- Injury Impact: Both teams faced significant roster disruptions, with Kaiden Guhle ruled out and multiple core players listed day-to-day.
What It Means Next
The aftermath of this game underscores the fragility of early-season records in the NHL. For Montreal, maintaining first place in the Atlantic requires tightening defensive play and finding secondary scoring beyond Pastujov. The absence of Kaiden Guhle and the day-to-day status of Warren Foegele and Kurtis MacDermid complicate lineup stability, forcing coaches to adjust rapidly.
For Ottawa, the win provides a foundation to build upon, but the mounting injury list—including Shane Pinto, Jorian Donovan, Jake Sanderson, and Ivan Demidov—poses a severe challenge. Managing health and maintaining competitiveness with a depleted roster will be the primary focus heading into the next homestand. Both teams must navigate these personnel issues carefully as the 2026-27 season progresses, with the Atlantic Division race remaining wide open.
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