Welcome back to another hard hitting edition of NHL Predictions as the Ottawa Senators host the red hot Winnipeg Jets. The Jets come into this one following a 2-1 overtime victory against the San Jose Sharks, are riding a ten-game winning streak. We might add, a franchise-record winning streak. The Ottawa Senators are just looking to navigate the murky waters of the injury infirmary balanced against the trade deadline and debating giving up the future in favour of the present.
NHL Predictions Winnipeg Jets at Ottawa Senators from the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario
Start Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV Coverage: Sportsnet, RDS, ESPN+
This game features a matchup of elite goaltenders, as the expected starters are listed as Connor Hellebuyck (35-7-2) and Linus Ullmark (12-10-2). In fact, each were members of the respective national team at the 4 Nations tourney, Team USA and Team Sweden. The Sens look to rebound after a depleted lineup was handed a 5-2 loss at the hands of Montreal on Saturday. Meanwhile, at the other end of the rink, Winnipeg is hoping a trip to the nation’s capital isn’t what spoils their incredible winning streak. The Jets won the first meeting of the two teams late in 2024, 4-2.
The Sens Do Have Some Good News
Well, welcome back, back again, to Joshua Norris, who is back in the lineup tonight. However, Shane Pinto practiced in a non-contact jersey yesterday and it is unclear when Brady Tkachuk will return. But both of them did skate within the Sens four lines in practice on Tuesday. So, there is reason for all-around optimism. But, let’s place our disclaimer here to please check for the very latest roster news and notes before locking in your fantasy lineups.
For the Senators overall, they really need to get on track. They need a strong showing as the Eastern Conference playoff picture couldn’t get any tighter. Coming in at 5-5-0 in their last ten, and with the trade deadline fast approaching, it is now or never if this team wants its first playoff appearance since 2017. Yes, the Jets are no easy matchup, but the Sens might be able to handle that side of things well.
The Jets lead the league in goals-against per game at 2.38, but the Sens are in the top-ten at 2.81. One stat the Sens actually top the Jets in, is shutouts. Ottawa has eight on the year, compared to Winnipeg’s seven. So, if Ottawa sticks to their guns, where they are at home, they should be fine.
Jets Travel to the Nation’s Capital
The Winnipeg Jets franchise is coming off a milestone night as Mark Scheifele became the franchise leader in goals at 329, surpassing the great Russian Ilya Kovalchuk. Now, visiting the Senators will prove to be a challenge of whether or not they can maintain their winning streak. Ottawa is a responsible team, and a little bit of goal scoring makes them a worthy foe. Luckily, that is exactly where Winnipeg tends to shine.
We all know about the dominance of Helly, but just how else to the Jets get it done. Head coach Scott Arniel has done a fabulous job of taking a weakness and making it a strength. The Jets are the league’s top power play unit at 32.5%. (The Sens are 11th at 23.5%). Moreover, their goal scoring as a collective unit hasn’t been a problem with 3.57 goals-per-game. Scheifele and Kyle Connor already have hit the 30-goal mark, but Gabriel Vilardi isn’t far behind with 26.
Despite missing the championship game for Team Canada, Josh Morrissey was back at it for Winnipeg. He played nearly 30 minutes against the Sharks. The Jets are ready to go, so Ottawa better be too.
NHL Predictions: Jets and Senators
With the Sens at home and deeply entrenched in a playoff race, they need this one. Look for Ullmark to be a difference maker and help the Sens prevail in this tightly-contested affair.
Prediction: Ottawa wins in regulation, 3-1 (add an empty netter).
Main Photo: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
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Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
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