Canadiens Face Crucial Road ‍trip, Tkachuk Remains Out for Senators

MONTREAL (AP) — The Montreal Canadiens embark on a critical two-game road ⁣trip through Ontario, with playoff implications hanging in the balance.Meanwhile,Ottawa Senators captain ⁤Brady ‍Tkachuk remains⁣ sidelined.

Quick Start for Ottawa, Anderson Denied

Ottawa jumped to an early⁢ lead against Montreal. Shane Pinto scored just 28 seconds into the game, followed by Dylan Cozens⁢ less than four minutes later, extending the senators’ advantage.

Late in the first period, montreal’s ⁢Josh Anderson had a prime possibility to score, receiving a long pass ⁤from Brendan Gallagher. Though, Nick Jensen’s defensive play prevented Anderson ‍from getting a shot off.

Montreal struggled in the first period, being outshot by Ottawa 14-5, mirroring thier previous game against the Detroit Red Wings.

Canadiens’ Playoff Destiny in Their Hands

Montreal ‍controls its playoff fate, riding a six-game winning streak at a crucial point in the season.

the Canadiens’ road⁣ trip begins with a game against the Senators, followed by a Saturday matchup ‍against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Potential Lineup

Projected Montreal Canadiens lineup:

• Caufield ‍- Suzuki – Slafkovsky
• Anderson – Dvorak⁤ – Gallagher
• Laine – Newhook – Kapanen
• pezzetta – Evans ⁤- Armia

• Matheson – Carrier
• Guhle – Hutson
• Struble – Savard

Goaltender: Montembeault

Playoff Race Tight

Despite⁤ Montreal’s strong position, four teams remain in contention for a playoff spot: the Columbus Blue jackets, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and Detroit Red Wings.‍ These teams still have a mathematical chance to overtake the Canadiens.

A regulation ⁣win against the Senators⁣ on Friday would secure a playoff berth for Montreal. ⁢A loss in overtime would leave only the⁣ Blue Jackets with a chance to⁣ surpass them.⁢ A regulation loss to Ottawa would keep⁣ all four chasing teams alive.

If Montreal fails to clinch a playoff spot ⁢against Ottawa,their ⁢next opportunity⁣ will be ⁣Saturday against Toronto.

The Red Wings,with a 36-35-7 record,are the only other⁣ team in contention playing Friday,facing the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Tkachuk’s Status Uncertain

Senators captain Brady Tkachuk was absent from the optional⁢ practice session, a day after announcing⁤ his ⁢intention to skate.⁤ Coach Travis Green did not provide an update on Tkachuk’s⁢ condition, casting doubt on his return.

Tkachuk, 25, has been out of the lineup since March 30.

Four forwards participated in the optional session,including‍ Nick Cousins,who ‍is working towards a return from an injury that has kept him out as January.