Senators’ December Victory Over Canadiens Fuels Tight Atlantic Division Race
TORONTO, January 17, 2026 – As the 2025-26 NHL season passes its midpoint, the battle for playoff positioning in the Atlantic Division remains fiercely contested. A pivotal match from early December between the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators serves as a reminder of the fine margins separating these historic rivals. On December 2, 2025, the Senators skated to a 5-2 road victory at the Bell Centre, a result that continues to resonate in the current standings.
Game Recap: Senators Snap Skid in Montreal
The December 2nd contest saw the Ottawa Senators halt a two-game losing streak and conclude a lengthy seven-game road trip on a high note. Captain Brady Tkachuk led the way, scoring his first goal of the season and adding an assist. Fabian Zetterlund also recorded a goal and a helper, while Drake Batherson, Jake Sanderson, and Artem Zub found the net for Ottawa. Linus Ullmark turned aside 19 shots for the win.
For Montreal, power-play goals from Juraj Slafkovsky and captain Nick Suzuki were not enough. Sam Montembeault made 24 saves in the loss. The game also marked a milestone for Senators veteran David Perron, who picked up an assist in his 1,200th career NHL game.
Key Facts: Senators 5, Canadiens 2 (Dec. 2, 2025)
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Ottawa Senators 5, Montreal Canadiens 2 |
| Location | Bell Centre, Montreal, QC |
| Ottawa Multi-Point Players | Brady Tkachuk (1G, 1A), Fabian Zetterlund (1G, 1A) |
| Montreal Multi-Point Players | Nick Suzuki (1G, 1A), Cole Caufield (2A) |
| Goaltenders | OTT: Linus Ullmark (19 saves, Win); MTL: Sam Montembeault (24 saves, Loss) |
| Special Teams | MTL: 2/3 on Power Play; OTT: 0/2 on Power Play |
| Season Series (2025-26) | Teams have split recent meetings, including a 4-3 Canadiens OT win on November 1, 2025. |
The Current Atlantic Division Landscape
As of mid-January 2026, the Atlantic Division remains one of the league’s most competitive. The Montreal Canadiens have built a strong record, positioning themselves firmly in the playoff picture. The Ottawa Senators, meanwhile, are in the thick of the wild card chase. According to recent league standings, the Canadiens hold a record of 26-15-7 for 59 points, while the Senators sit at 22-19-5 for 49 points.
The long-term rivalry between these two franchises is among the league’s most extensive. Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Senators and Canadiens had met 196 times in regular season and playoff history, with Ottawa holding a narrow 96-95-5 edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last game between the Senators and Canadiens?
The most recent meeting between the two clubs, based on available data, was on December 2, 2025, which was won by the Ottawa Senators by a score of 5-2 in Montreal.
Where do the Canadiens and Senators stand in the playoff race?
As of January 2026, the Montreal Canadiens are in a playoff position within the Atlantic Division. The Ottawa Senators are contending for a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. The race remains very tight with several months of hockey remaining.
What is the all-time record between these two teams?
The rivalry is remarkably even. Historically, the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens have played nearly 200 games, with Ottawa holding a slight lead in total wins (96 to 95) with 5 ties as of the 2024-25 season.