The Ottawa team prevailed over the host Detroit 3:2 and with its fourth consecutive victory in the National Hockey League (NHL) collected 85 points and climbed into position for the second "wild card" to participate in the Stanley Cup playoffs in the Eastern Conference.
20-year-old rookie Carter Yakemchuk, who was selected number 7 in the 2025 draft, made a memorable debut for the Canadiens in the NHL with a goal and an assist. Brady Tkachak scored his 20th goal of the season, and Lars Eller also scored. The "Senators" goalie Linus Ullmark finished with 32 saves.
Dominic Shine and Dylan Larkin scored for Detroit, which suffered its second straight loss but remains in contention for a playoff spot with 84 points.
Connor McDavid scored twice to pass the 400-goal mark and reach 1,200 league points in Edmonton's 5-2 win at Utah. McDavid, who already has 41 goals this season, has scored 401 times in his career, and has 799 assists.
Jack Roslovic also scored twice, and Evan Bouchard contributed three assists, and with the success, the Canadiens collected 79 points and climbed to second place in the Pacific Division.
League leader Colorado won 6-2 at Pittsburgh and remains the only team with triple-digit assets with 104 points.
Martin Necas scored twice, and Nate McKinnon scored his 46th goal, which leads the scoring this season. Colorado has already secured a playoff berth, and this was the team's third consecutive victory on the road.