MTL@OTT: Five things you need to know

KANATA - Here are five things you need to know ahead of Saturday night's game against the Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre.

1. Claude Julien's troops suffered an eighth straight loss on Thursday with Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in town. After taking a 2-0 lead thanks to Phillip Danault and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, the Habs gave up four unanswered goals on their way to a 4-2 loss. In the loss, goalie Carey Price stopped 22 of the 25 pucks he faced. Ilya Kovalchuk, meanwhile, was held off the scoresheet for the first time since joining the Canadiens the week before.

2. This is the Canadiens' third meeting of the season with the Senators. Ottawa won the first contest 2-1 in overtime on November 20. Forward Brady Tkachuk scored the game-winner at the Bell Centre. In the second game, it was Ben Chiarot who gave his team the win with an overtime goal against the Sens. Goalie Cayden Primeau registered his first career NHL victory in that 3-2 win on December 11 at the Bell Centre. The last showdown of the season between the two teams takes place on February 22 at the Canadian Tire Centre.

3. Following morning skate, the head coach confirmed that Brendan Gallagher would not be available for the game. Ditto Ben Chiarot, who is dealing with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, Matthew Peca will make his return for the first time since playing on December 10 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

4.The Senators were in action on Friday night at Little Caesars Arena against the Detroit Red Wings. After overcoming a 2-0 deficit, DJ Smith's squad ended up losing 3-2 in a shootout against the Wings. The Sens are also going through a rough patch; they haven't celebrated a win in their past six games. Forward Anthony Duclair leads his team in goals (21) and points (32). Jean-Gabriel Pageau is second with 19 goals and 30 points, and youngster Brady Tkachuk rounds out the podium with 14 goals for 25 points.
5. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. You can catch all the action on CBC, City, Sportsnet, and TVA Sports on television, and on TSN 690 and 98,5 fm on the radio. The Canadiens are back at home on Monday to take on the Calgary Flames at the Bell Centre.