Demidov's Overtime Heroics Lift Canadiens Over Senators in 3-2 Thriller
In a nail-biting NHL showdown at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, the Montreal Canadiens emerged victorious with a 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators, thanks to a clutch overtime goal by forward Ivan Demidov. The game, played on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, showcased intense back-and-forth action that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final moment.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
The contest was a defensive battle early on, with both teams struggling to find the back of the net. The Senators struck first, capitalizing on a power-play opportunity in the opening period to take a 1-0 lead. However, the Canadiens responded swiftly in the second period when Alexandre Texier scored a crucial equalizer, assisted by a precise pass from teammate Cole Caufield. Texier's goal, celebrated enthusiastically with his teammates, tied the game and shifted momentum in Montreal's favor.
As the third period unfolded, the intensity ramped up. The Senators regained the lead midway through the frame with a well-executed breakaway goal, putting pressure on the Canadiens to mount a comeback. Montreal's persistence paid off late in the period when defenseman Kaiden Guhle fired a slap shot from the point that deflected past Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark, knotting the score at 2-2 and forcing overtime.
Overtime Drama and Demidov's Decisive Goal
In the extra period, both teams traded chances, but it was Ivan Demidov who sealed the victory for the Canadiens. With just over two minutes remaining in overtime, Demidov intercepted a pass in the neutral zone, skated into the Senators' zone, and unleashed a wrist shot that beat Ullmark high glove-side. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations from the Canadiens bench and their traveling fans, capping off a hard-fought win.
Goaltending was a standout feature of the game, with Ullmark making 32 saves for the Senators, while Montreal's netminder, Samuel Montembeault, turned aside 28 shots to secure the win. The Canadiens' penalty kill unit also played a pivotal role, successfully neutralizing three of Ottawa's four power-play opportunities.
Implications for the Playoff Race
This victory boosts the Canadiens' playoff hopes in the Eastern Conference, as they continue to jockey for position in a tight wild-card race. For the Senators, the loss is a setback in their efforts to climb out of the conference basement, highlighting areas for improvement in late-game execution. Both teams will look to build on this performance as the regular season winds down, with key matchups ahead that could define their postseason fates.
The game drew a sellout crowd of over 18,000 fans, underscoring the passionate rivalry between these two Canadian franchises. Post-game, Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis praised his team's resilience, stating, "We never gave up, and Ivan's goal was a testament to our hard work all night." Senators coach Travis Green, meanwhile, emphasized the need for better defensive discipline in critical moments.
