The Montreal Canadiens head to Ottawa this Friday for a 7:00 p.m. ET puck drop that serves as an early-season barometer for two teams trying to find their defensive identity. In these early-schedule tilts, the game is usually decided by which side can stifle transition play before their goaltending gets exposed by high-danger chances. If you’re banking on a clean, structured affair, you’re likely ignoring the reality of early-season defensive lapses.
The real intrigue here lies in special teams management and which club can settle into a rhythm first. Expect both benches to prioritize clean zone exits to avoid getting pinned in their own end, a common pitfall for teams still finding their chemistry. Whether you trust the established talent or the hungry underdogs, head over to StreakChat to lock in your pick and join the discussion.