After that beating in the nations’ capital on Sunday night, this was a must-win, pull up your socks statement game for the Montreal Canadiens.

It may not have been thought of as a rivalry before but through three games of the quarterfinals, Montreal and Ottawa are engaged in quite the series with Senators having the upper hand having won two of three.

With the series tied 1-1, the Montreal Canadiens travelled to Ottawa for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

After last night’s emotional game, the Canadiens were faced with a must-win scenario.

Thursday’s playoff opener was full of excitement early on but it went from bad to worse in a hurry for the Montreal Canadiens.

The Canadiens and Senators will be the 13th and 14th teams to start the 2013 playoffs due to rink availability.

In the second part of our Round 1 predictions the HabsWorld writers examine the Eastern Conference series, and provide their predictions.

The 2013 NHL playoffs have begun, and the Canadiens will begin the quest for their 25th Stanley Cup on Thursday versus Ottawa.

April was Montreal’s worst month statistically this season, as the Canadiens struggled mightily after clinching a playoff berth. Nevertheless, their 7-7-0 record was just enough to win the Northeast Division, one point ahead of the Boston Bruins

Yes, I realize it’s a bit of a rough header, but, an accurate one in my view.