Senators sweep two-game set from Montreal

In Ottawa, Brady Tkachuk‘s second goal of the game, at 10″11 of the third period, forced extra time and the skills competition, in a 5-4 win for the Senators over the visiting Montreal Canadiens in Tuesday night.

“Credit to a lot of guys, but certainly Brady Tkachuk tonight,” Senators head coach D.J. Smith said. “He dragged us into that battle. I don’t know if he’s played a better game since I’ve been here.”

Matt Murray made 32 saves in the win.

Shea Weber struck for two goals for the Canadiens.

“We’re staying positive here,” Montreal’s Phillip Danault said. “When you’re winning, everything is easy, the vibe is good, everything is positive. When you’re losing, you’ve got to get back to the way we were feeling in the beginning [of the season]. We’ve just got to stay positive around here. No need to panic.”

Tim Stutzle and Josh Norris had goals in the penalties phase portion of the evening’s festivities.

“That’s got to be one of the crazier games I’ve been a part of,” Tkachuk said. “Just a lot going on. I’m excited about how I’m going to feel tomorrow morning. A lot of the guys are going to be excited about how they feel tomorrow. We put the body on the line, everybody did, everybody sacrificed, and we got rewarded.”

The Sens improved to 6-14-1.

Tyler Toffoli gave the Habs a 4-3 lead in the third period before Tkachuk tied it.

Erik Brannstrom had a goal for the Senators.

“I’m so happy for him,” Ottawa’s Erik Gudbranson, said. “That’s a moment you never forget. He’s been all over the net, he’s been throwing [pucks] in, stuff that should’ve gone in, could’ve gone in. Seeing him score his first, it’s such a great feeling.”

Jonathan Drouin also scored for the Habs.

“We need to start games better,” the Canadiens’ Brendan Gallagher said. “That’s a given. You can’t afford to fall down, but we got down 2-0 and we responded.”

Drake Batherson had a single marker for Ottawa.