Nov 22, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Alexander Radulov (47) and Ottawa Senators defenseman Dion Phaneuf (2) exchange words during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-YvesAhern-USA TODAY Sports

The Montreal Canadiens have been in free fall. Their 3-0 loss at home to the New York Islanders has left the Ottawa Senators with an unbelievable chance.

Consider the following: Patrik Laine has two fewer goals than the Montreal Canadiens have in the month of February. — Ken Campbell (@THNKenCampbell) February 24, 2017

Quite a shocking stat from a team that were tipped to runaway with the broken down Atlantic.

The Ottawa Senators may be depleted but this is a rallying call to the troops. Win tonight and the Sens will reach the top of the Atlantic mountain, with two games in hand on the Canadiens.

Make The Trade Now

I know that a lot of teams will want to wait until closer to March 1 but the Sens should try and force the hand of the Colorado Avalanche now. Why? The majority of the Atlantic is beaten and demoralised (the Sens beaten in the more literal sense). Bringing someone like Matt Duchene in now, would send shockwaves around the divisions. Furthermore, the Canadiens will now be extremely active in the market, and expect a trade move from them.

Belief

Win tonight, and the Sens will truly believe they can win this division. Stoneless and without Hoffman, they can still win, it has to make those guys feel better. Not rushing them back seems to be the sensible route, and Boucher seems on board with that (not that he has much choice)

Carolina Are Beatable

A once hopeful playoff team not too long ago this season. Those wheels have truly fallen off. Rock bottom of the Metropolitan, which is no disrespect given it is the toughest division in hockey. Their last ten is 3-6-1, the Sens need to strike.

They’ve also just traded Ron Hainsey to the Pittsburgh who was a staple defensemen paired with Justin Faulk. A serious dent in their blue-line could hugely benefit the depleted Sens.