Senators beat Canadiens 5-4 – Winnipeg Free Press

OTTAWA – After falling short of expectations this season, the Ottawa Senators at least wanted to send their fans home on a positive note.

They were able to do just that on Saturday night thanks to Drake Batterson's shootout winner.

Batterson was the hero of the game in a 5-4 win over the Montreal Canadiens, beating netminder Kaiden Primau's low blocker.

“Alfie and I made a video of this move a few weeks ago,” Batherson said. “I thought I'd give it a try. I had my first chance to do it, but it worked, and then he winked at me, so it was funny.”

Senators captain Brady Tkachuk had two goals and an assist, while Shane Pinto and Thomas Chabot scored for Ottawa (36-40-4). Joonas Korpisalo made 21 saves.

Tkachuk, who tied a career high in goals (37), impressed with 12 shots on goal and eight rebounds in addition to his three points.

“I mean, in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't mean much,” Tkachuk said. “As I said this morning, this year has been more about team goals than individual goals, and unfortunately we didn't reach them and I think there are a lot of lessons to be learned this year.”

It was a bit bittersweet for Senators interim head coach Jacques Martin, who coached his last game at the Canadian Tire Centre, as he won't be back behind the bench in Ottawa next season.

“It was great,” Martin said. “I enjoyed the opportunity to come back and hopefully help the team learn what it takes to be in the playoffs, how to play nightly, help the players grow and maybe get better.

“As an organization, I think we have some work to do, but I think we're headed in the right direction.”

Cole Caufield led the way for Montreal with a double. Mike Matheson and Alex Newhook scored for Montreal (30-36-14). Primeo stopped 39 shots.

The Senators won the season series 3-0 and tied their longest streak against a single opponent with nine wins against Montreal. Ottawa has also won nine straight against Buffalo.

“For whatever reason, they had our number a little bit,” Newhook said. “They play a fast game. They play a masterful game. I think we did a really good job tonight for a very dangerous attacking team, limiting their chances and it was unfortunate that we didn't get the win.

There were more fans in the extra time period for the fans who had gathered for the split sale, but the problems were not resolved.

Chabot forced a goal in overtime, with 1:05 left on the bench, with Korpisalo on the bench to convert Batterson's point.

“The fact that we've been in so many (close games) this year, that's something you can't buy,” Canadiens coach Martin Saint said. “They are real representatives. Sometimes you defend the lead, you try to pull back, you try to get back into the game. Obviously, overtime and clouds, they are what they are, but I think as we continue to progress, we'll be on the other side of them.”

The Canadiens took a 4-3 lead with 4:11 left in the third when Ottawa's Jacob Chychrun took a center pass off his skate.

Tkachuk scored his second goal of the game 47 seconds into the third period to tie the game at 3-3.

Montreal took a 2-1 lead 97 seconds in when Caufield slipped the puck under Korpisalo.

Ottawa cut the lead to one with a power play goal at 8:36. Claude Giroud cut the ball back to Pinto who shot it in, but Montreal responded and Caufield found the top corner.

Montreal opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal after Jake Sanderson made a rare turnover at the blue line, allowing Matheson to go in alone and beat Korpisalo's stick.

Tkachuk tied the game with a power-play goal at 13:08 when he took his own rebound and put it behind Prime.

NOTES

Ottawa C Tim Stutzl missed his fifth straight game with an upper-body injury. … Montreal is without Kayden Goulet (upper body), Joshua Roy (upper body). … Referee Riley Brace, a native of Fitzroy Harbour, west of downtown Ottawa, made his NHL debut on Saturday.

NEXT UP

Ottawa: Visits the New York Rangers on Monday.

Montreal: Visit Detroit Red Wings in Montreal.

This Canadian Press report was first published on April 13, 2024.