NHL Predictions Senators Edition Ottawa at Nashville Predators

Welcome to another Senators edition of NHL Predictions as Ottawa visits the Nashville Predators. Ottawa enters this one currently tied with the Florida Panthers for seventh in the NHL’s Atlantic Division. Meanwhile, Nashville has 50 points, and sits three places out of a Western Conference Stanley Cup Playoff Wild Card position. Find out who we think takes this one, next.

NHL Predictions Predators and Senators

Sen fans will remember the last time these two teams met. That was when Roman Josi gave, at least, a borderline cheap shot on captain Brady Tkachuk. Tkachuk would go on to miss nearly two months following surgery to repair his thumb, as a result. Furthermore, he’s still probably not 100%, most notable from watching him in scrubs. He also doesn’t want to disturb anything ahead of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Needless to say, the tone should be set for this one.

Over the years, a few of the players who have worn both teams’ colours include Mark Borowiecki, Mike Fisher, Austin Watson, and Matt Duchene. Thus, there is a bit of a history for the two clubs, due to the connectivity. Nothing like some out-of-conference rivalry to keep things interesting.

What’s Happening in Ottawa

The Sens do come into this one with points in their last five games. However, they don’t really know what to do about it. Do they need to add a substantial part? Do they become sellers? Or, do they have confidence in the group general manager Steve Staios assembled in the preseason to somehow climb back into the playoff race?

So, the story overall for Ottawa, is they have played well in games. Unfortunately, often they find themselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard. In contrast, with a healthy lineup, and possibly consistent goaltending, they will be successful more often than not. What about some of the other dynamics?

Since getting bumped up in the Sens lineup, one player who has been hot has been Ridly Greig. In his last four games, he is clicking with one goal and five assists. He’s the type of player to give the spark to a Sens lineup badly in need of a catalyst.

The Goings On In Nashville

General manager Barry Trotz made it known his club would be sellers. Names like Jonathan Marchessault, Steven Stamkos, and Ryan O’Reilly headline that list. However, to this point, they haven’t made any major moves. They do remain in striking position for a playoff spot. Therefore, much like the Sens, they are in that middle ground of not knowing to be buyers or sellers.

So, unlike the Sens, without the pressure of playoff expectations at this point of the season, they might be playing a little looser. However, don’t get it twisted, veterans like Josi or Stamkos never go down without a fight.

NHL Predictions

The goaltending matchup features the veteran Reimer, going up against the skilled Juuse Saros. Saros hasn’t been his usual self this year, sportings an .897 save percentage. Still, Ottawa’s snipers will need to be on the best to generate offence. Meanwhile for Ottawa, Linus Ullmark is on the trip, but it does seem like Hunter Shepard will get the nod as the backup. This is a great time for our disclaimer, to please check social media for the latest news before locking in your daily fantasy roster.

We think Ottawa, who are playing with more urgency, gets the two points, but like often times is the case, it won’t come easy.

Prediction: Predators 2 – Senators 4

Prop Bets

For Ottawa, we think Brady Tkachuk scores in this one. Fueled by the incident in their previous meeting, he will be hungry. One player we like to hit the back of the net for Nashville is Ryan O’Reilly.

Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

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