OTTAWA | After facing the Devils in Newark, the Canadian will play a second game on two nights, visiting the Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre.
• Also read: NHL | Senators: “When you don’t win, the challenge is there for a coach” – Jacques Martin
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The Journal offers you five elements to keep in mind at this meeting.
1 – Monahan is happy for Roy
Joshua Roy scored his first NHL goal in his third game in a Canadian jersey. He beat Nico Daws after a precise pass from Sean Monahan, but also after a mistake by young defender Simon Nemec.
“Josh is a smart player,” Monahan said a few hours before the game at the Canadiens Hotel in Kanata. He was a bit nervous in his first games. I was happy that he scored. I know that feeling when you get to the NHL. I wanted to help him score a first goal.”
“I was happy to be the one who had the assist on his first goal,” he continued. I was happy for him. I had played with him a bit during camp and was excited to see him again in Montreal after his recall. I know he has great potential. If he gains confidence in this league, he will be a special player.”
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2 – Looking for a third win in a row
The Canadian is looking to achieve a third consecutive victory for the first time this season. Martin St-Louis' team regained confidence after difficult games against the Flyers in Philadelphia and the San Jose Sharks in Montreal. They suffered a 2-1 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers and then won 4-3 against the Colorado Avalanche and 3-2 against the New Jersey Devils.
“There was a big awakening after our two games [contre les Flyers et les Sharks]said center Sean Monahan. We really weren't good in Philly. We had to improve our game. We found ways to come together.”
3 – Primeau vs. the Senators
After Samuel Montembeault in Newark, the Habs will trust Cayden Primeau. In two career starts against the Senators, Primeau has earned two wins while maintaining a 1.95 GAA and .933 save percentage.
“You always have to watch out for the Senators, they have several dangerous attackers,” warned defender David Savard. There are always emotions when we play the Sens.
4 – Bernard-Docker instead of Hamonic
The Senators lost 7 to 4 in their last game against the Avalanche and will adjust their lineup a little for the CH visit. For the first time this season, Travis Hamonic will watch the game from the press bridge. Jacob Bernard-Docker will replace him on the blue line. Bernard-Docker, a young 23-year-old defender, has not featured in the last two meetings.
“Jacob is young, he has played good games this season,” said Jacques Martin. He'll bring a little more speed to our blue line. When you don't win, sometimes you have to change something. With Travis, we know what he can bring to the table. It’s nothing against his game, but we wanted to change the dynamic.”
In 31 games, Bernard-Docker scored eight points (4 goals, 4 assists).
Joonas Korpisalo will be the Senators' starting goaltender.
5 – A culture for change in Ottawa
In terms of numbers, the Senators have experienced a decline since the coaching change. Under Martin's leadership they have a record of four wins and nine losses. With DJ Smith it was 11-15-0.
Photo Martin Chevalier
The decline in the “Goals Allowed” column is particularly noticeable. Since Martin's arrival, the Sens are 32nd in the NHL with an average of 4.46 goals allowed. They were ranked 26th (3.42) before Smith's dismissal.
“We know what we have in the locker room, we know there is talent, but we have to work for 60 minutes,” said defender Thomas Chabot.
“We are still a young team and it takes time,” added winger Mathieu Joseph. Yes, the core has been there for a long time. We have learned a lot, but we still have a lot to learn. We have to manage the puck better and limit our turnovers. In order to win, you have to learn to lose. We have to adapt to a new coach, a new assistant and we are changing things in our system. But it’s more our mentality and our culture that we need to change.”
The Probable Origin of the Canadian
Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky
Harvey Pinard Evans Gallagher
Roy Monahan Armia
Pezzetta-Stephens-Ylönen
Matheson Guhle
Struble-Savard
Harris Barron
Primeau
Allen
The probable formation of the senators
Joseph-Stützle-Batherson
Tkachuk-Greig-Giroux
Kelly-Chartier-Tarasenko
Kubalik-Kastelic-MacEwen
Sanderson Zub
Chabot chychrun
Brannstrom-Bernard Docker
Korpisalo
Sogaard