Ottawa Senators vs. Montreal Canadiens: A Rivalry for the Ages

Historical Origins

The rivalry between the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens, two of the most storied franchises in NHL history, dates back to their inaugural season in 1917. The animosity between the two cities, located a mere 120 miles apart, intensified during the Stanley Cup Final in 1925, when the Senators defeated the Canadiens in a hard-fought series. The rivalry only deepened in the playoffs in 1953, when the Canadiens eliminated the Senators in a controversial Game 7.

Regular Season Dominance

In the regular season, the Canadiens have held the upper hand over the Senators, posting a 264-198-75 record, including 125 victories on the road. The Canadiens have also won 11 of the 24 playoff series between the two teams.

However, the Senators have had their moments of triumph against their archrivals. In the 1990s, the Senators won four consecutive regular season series against the Canadiens, including a memorable 5-1 victory in Montreal in 1999.

Playoff Battles

The Senators and Canadiens have met in the playoffs 24 times, with the Canadiens holding a 12-11 advantage. Some of the most memorable playoff battles include:

• 1953: The Canadiens defeated the Senators in a controversial Game 7, which featured a penalty shot awarded to Maurice Richard that proved decisive.
• 1955: The Senators upset the Canadiens in the Semi-Finals, en route to their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance.
• 1993: The Canadiens eliminated the Senators in the Division Finals, despite the Senators holding a 3-1 lead in the series.
• 1998: The Senators pushed the Canadiens to the brink of elimination in the Quarterfinals, but ultimately fell in Game 7.

Star Power

Both the Senators and Canadiens have featured numerous Hall of Fame players throughout their history.

Senators:

• Frank Finnigan
• Syd Howe
• Daniel Alfredsson
• Erik Karlsson

Canadiens:

• Howie Morenz
• Maurice Richard
• Guy Lafleur
• Patrick Roy

Recent Rivalry

In recent years, the rivalry has been somewhat dormant, as both teams have struggled to find consistent success. However, the 2020-21 season saw a resurgence of the rivalry, with the Senators and Canadiens playing a highly competitive series that went down to the final game.

Key Stats

• Regular Season Record: Canadiens 264-198-75
• Playoff Record: Canadiens 12-11
• Stanley Cups: Canadiens 24, Senators 0
• Hart Trophies: Canadiens 16, Senators 1
• Vezina Trophies: Canadiens 13, Senators 1

Conclusion

The rivalry between the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens is one of the fiercest in NHL history, fueled by their geographical proximity, historical significance, and passionate fan bases. While the Canadiens have enjoyed more success overall, the Senators have always given them a run for their money, and the rivalry is sure to continue for many more decades to come.

Tables

Regular Season Records

Playoff Records

Hart Trophy Winners

FAQs

1. Which team has won more Stanley Cups?
   - Canadiens (24)

2. Who has won more Hart Trophies?
   - Canadiens (16)

3. Who holds the regular season record between the two teams?
   - Canadiens (264-198-75)

4. Who has won more playoff series?
   - Canadiens (12-11)

5. When was the first meeting between the Senators and Canadiens?
   - December 19, 1917

6. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the winner of the regular season series between the two teams?
   - Senators-Canadiens Trophy