In overtime, the Sens had a great chance on a 2-on-1. A saucer pass attempt by Claude Giroux sailed over the stick of Tim Stützle, who was all in on a one-timer. When Stutzle missed it, he slid into the end boards and out of the play. Meanwhile, Giroux went off on a line change, leading to the easiest 2-on-1 the other way.

With starting goalie Linus Ullmark on a personal leave of absence since Dec. 28, speculation intensified online to the point that the Senators released an unusual public statement condemning what general manager Steve Staios described as “completely fabricated and false stories” circulating on social media.

Get the best Canadiens vs. Senators predictions ahead of Saturday's matchup in Ottawa. Free NHL picks for January 17.

With divisional games this weekend against the Canadiens and Red Wings, the Senators have a chance to kick-start their confidence and their long-shot playoff hopes.

Three weeks ago, the Ottawa Senators had it all figured out and were on course to save their season. They've fallen hard since.

The Montreal Canadiens (26-15-7) are looking to get back in the winning column tonight as they take on the Ottawa Senators (22-19-5) in an important game against a divisional rival.

The Senators started Duchesne’s first season at the Civic Centre with Rick Bowness and assistant Alain Vigneault behind the bench. They were fired in November, and then Dave Allison had a brief tenure before newly-appointed general manager Pierre Gauthier brought in Martin.

Ottawa Senators goalie Linus Ullmark has returned to practice. This marks his first appearance since a recent leave of absence. Ullmark's return is seen as a boost for the team. He was previously away for personal reasons.

The Senators and Canadiens christened the Canadian Tire Centre in 1996, and they'll meet again on Saturday to mark the building's 30th anniversary.