Saturday, January 17, 2026 marks a special occasion on the NHL calendar—Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada. The marquee matchup for the evening features a fierce Atlantic Division rivalry as the Montreal Canadiens visit the Ottawa Senators. With both teams fighting for playoff positioning, this game promises intensity, skill, and plenty of animosity at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Here is everything you need to know to catch the action live.
How to Watch Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottawa Senators on TV and Streaming
If you are looking to tune in tonight, you have multiple viewing options depending on your location. The puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET.
Canada TV & Streaming: Since this is a prime-time Hockey Day in Canada broadcast, the game will be available nationally.
- TV: Sportsnet (National), Sportsnet East, Citytv, and TVAS (French commentary).
- Streaming: Sportsnet+ (Premium and Standard tiers), CBC Gem.
USA TV & Streaming: American hockey fans can catch the game exclusively on streaming platforms.
- TV/Streaming: ESPN+ (NHL Power Play).
Team Records and Recent Form
As we cross the midway point of the 2025-26 season, the Montreal Canadiens (26-15-7) are enjoying a resurgent campaign, currently sitting 3rd in the Atlantic Division with 59 points. They are looking to bounce back after a tough 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday.
The Ottawa Senators (22-19-5) find themselves in 8th place in the Atlantic with 49 points, fighting to stay in the Wild Card conversation. They are coming into tonight’s game with high morale after dismantling the New York Rangers 8-4 on Wednesday, a game where their offense finally clicked.
Key Players and Leading Scorers
The youth movement is in full swing for both franchises this season.
Montreal Canadiens Leaders:
- Nick Suzuki: 52 points (15G, 37A)
- Lane Hutson: 47 points (8G, 39A)
- Cole Caufield: 45 points (22G, 23A)
- Ivan Demidov: 40 points (11G, 29A)
Ottawa Senators Leaders:
- Tim Stützle: 46 points (20G, 26A)
- Drake Batherson: 42 points (18G, 24A)
- Jake Sanderson: 35 points (9G, 26A)
- Dylan Cozens: 34 points (13G, 21A)
Injury Report
Injuries could play a massive factor tonight, especially for Montreal. The Canadiens are depleted down the middle with Kirby Dach (foot), Jake Evans (lower body), and Alex Newhook (ankle) all on Injured Reserve. Winger Patrik Laine also remains out with an abdominal injury.
Ottawa is healthier upfront but is missing starting goaltender Linus Ullmark (personal reasons), meaning the net likely belongs to Leevi Merilainen or a call-up tonight.
Game Prediction and Betting Insight
The betting lines for tonight have the Ottawa Senators as -130 favorites, with the Over/Under set at 6.5 goals.
Personally, I see value in the Senators here, despite Montreal having the better overall record. The Canadiens’ injury list at the center position is alarming, and Ottawa’s 8-goal explosion against the Rangers suggests their offense is waking up at the right time. With Ullmark out for Ottawa and Montreal’s defense leaking 5 goals last game, I expect a high-scoring affair. I’m predicting an Ottawa Senators 5-4 victory, covering the Over 6.5 comfortably. The home crowd on Hockey Day in Canada should provide that extra boost the Sens need.
If you are scrambling to find the Montreal Canadiens on TV today or checking the rest of the Ottawa Senators TV schedule, keep our site bookmarked. We also track the NHL point leaders for the 2025-26 season daily. Don’t forget to join the action yourself—sign up for our online hockey pool for cash prizes on my website and test your GM skills against other fans!
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