Brannstrom has three assists, speedy Senators down Canadiens 5-1 Ottawa Senators' Brady Tkachuk jumps to avoid a shot as Montreal Canadiens' Jake Allen makes a save during second-period NHL action in Ottawa on Wednesday, March 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick May 05, 2021 - 9:09 PM OTTAWA - With blue-line leader Thomas Chabot and veteran defenceman Josh Brown out for the rest of the season, Ottawa Senators head coach D.J. Smith said it will be a "trial by fire" as his young defence corps try to fill the void. On Wednesday, that defence was a major part of a dominating win over Montreal that stalled the Canadiens' furious charge toward the post-season.