MTL@OTT: Game recap

OTTAWA - The Canadiens fell 3-2 against the Ottawa Senators in their first regular season meeting.

After exiting Monday's game against the Calgary Flames, Cole Caufield took his usual spot on the Canadiens first line. He was all smiles during the team's morning skate.

Forward Jonathan Drouin returned to the lineup for the first time since November 12 after being sidelined with an upper-body injury.

Sam Montembeault was the starting goalie for the visitors.

The game remained scoreless after 20 minutes of play. The Canadiens led 10-6 in shots.
The Senators broke the stalemate 1:28 into the second period with a goal from Shane Pinto. Soon after, Drake Batherson doubled their lead on the power play.
The home side took advantage of another man-advantage when Brady Tkachuk made it 3-0.
After two periods, D.J. Smith's squad maintained their three-goal lead.
Near the halfway mark of the final stanza, Jake Evans chased down a puck in the Senators zone and fed a beautiful backhand pass to Kirby Dach, who buried it past goaltender Cam Talbot.
Then, Christian Dvorak cut into Ottawa's lead to make it 3-2. Nick Suzuki and Evgenii Dadonov earned assists.
Unfortunately, Martin St-Louis' contingent was unable to complete the comeback.
The Habs are back in action in less than 24 hours when they welcome the Anaheim Ducks at the Bell Centre at 7:00 p.m.