The Montreal Canadiens didn’t just beat the Ottawa Senators. They dismantled them. In a 5-0 thrashing that felt less like a preseason tune-up and more like a declaration of war, the Habs made one thing crystal clear to the rest of the league: this is not the same Canadiens team you remember.
From the opening puck drop, the tone was set. Brendan Gallagher led by example, racking up three assists and igniting the offense with relentless energy. Every line rolled with purpose, and the chemistry between Ivan Demidov, Oliver Kapanen, and Alex Newhook was electric — a trio that hounded Ottawa’s defense and turned pressure into points.
Young phenom Lane Hudson delivered another eye-popping performance, reminding everyone he’s not just a slick passer but a legitimate scoring threat. His goal, paired with sharp defensive play, further solidified his rise as one of Montreal’s most exciting pieces moving forward.
The Canadiens’ special teams looked dangerous as well, with Patrick Laine and Kirby Dach seizing the moment on the power play. Their ability to strike while maintaining defensive discipline showed a balance that has often been missing from this squad.
But perhaps the biggest shift wasn’t on the scoresheet — it was in the attitude. Montreal played with edge. With players like Arbor Jackeye and Florian Jackeye throwing their weight around, the Canadiens showed they won’t be bullied this season. This wasn’t finesse hockey. This was a message: hit us, and we’ll hit back harder.
In net, Samuel Montembeault slammed the door shut. Calm, collected, and unshaken by traffic, he earned the shutout with poise, making it clear he’s ready to shoulder the responsibility of being the team’s No. 1 goaltender.
The result? A performance that felt like more than just a win. It was a warning shot across the NHL. S𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁, toughness, and unity — the Canadiens put it all on display, and the rest of the league had better take notice.
If this game is any indication of what’s to come, Montreal fans can buckle up for something they haven’t seen in years: a Canadiens team ready not just to compete — but to contend.
