Canadiens vs. Senators: Game thread, rosters, lines, and how to watch

The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators have often played games with divisional positioning on the line for the post-season. Just last year, the two teams battles three times in an eight-day span in March with the division lead on the line; a series that turned out to be one of the most critical for the Habs in claiming that title.

This year, there will be no such drama between the two sides, as the only positioning they’re fighting for is placement in the upcoming NHL draft lottery.

The two teams can be found among the bottom four clubs in the NHL, in a group littered with Atlantic Division teams who will sit and watch the post-season from a distance.

But there is still a lot to play for for both sides. Evaluations are being made on which players should be kept around to help his team enjoy a better fate next season, with prospects getting their chance to show what they can do. Thomas Chabot and Victor Mete are encouraging blue-liners who could play major roles for the their teams, while the Habs will hope Nikita Scherbak’s offensive game can translate to the NHL and he can becoming a key playmaker for a team lacking in that area.

Today, the result doesn’t really matter, but there are still implications for tomorrow.

Puck drop is at 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST

How to watch

In Canada: Sportsnet, Sportsnet Now
In the Canadiens/Sens region: RDS (French)
Elsewhere: NHL.tv/NHL GameCentre Live, NHL Center Ice

Montreal Canadiens projected lineup

Forwards

Defence

Goaltenders

Scratched: Daniel Carr, Jacob de la Rose, David Schlemko
Injured: Shea Weber (foot), Ales Hemsky (concussion), Andrew Shaw (lower-body), Phillip Danault (concussion)

Ottawa Senators projected lineup

Forwards

Defence

Goaltenders