Canadiens Senators Preseason Clash Generates Over 120 Penalty Minutes

The Ottawa Senators and St. Louis Blues face off in a preseason NHL game that serves as a crucial opportunity for roster battles and special teams practice ahead of the regular season. The Senators have a balanced 2-2 record in the preseason, while the Blues are yet to secure a win. Betting markets favor the Blues, but predictions suggest a close 4-3 win for the Senators due to their pace and transition play. Meanwhile, a rivalry is intensifying between the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens, highlighted by a recent preseason game marked by 124 penalty minutes and multiple fights, including significant contributions from the Xhekaj brothers. Key incidents involved Senators' players delivering and receiving physical hits, such as Hayden Hodgson's dangerous hit and Nick Cousins' slashing penalty against Canadiens' rookie Ivan Demidov, who did not return to the game. This physicality and animosity are expected to carry over into their regular season matchups, underscoring the growing competitive tension between these Atlantic Division teams.