The Ottawa Senators haven’t been consistently rewarded for playing high-end hockey at 5-on-5, so a date with the reeling Pittsburgh Penguins is just what the doctor ordered on Thursday, December 18.
My Penguins vs. Senators predictions and NHL picks call for a convincing Ottawa win, with winger Drake Batherson stocking stuffing the scoresheet tonight.
Advertisement
Penguins vs Senators prediction
Penguins vs Senators best bet: Drake Batherson Over 2.5 shots on goal (+120)
I’m anticipating a splash of statistical correction from Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson in the shots column tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
He’s only converted four of his 13 attempts into shots (30.8%) across the past three games, which is well below his prior 52.6% conversion rate. This should prove to be a good matchup.
The Penguins allow the most shots per game to right wingers, while also losing six straight since Evgeni Malkin (upper body) went down.
Batherson is sporting an elite 61.0 Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5 in December and skates with the No. 1 power-play unit, too.
Advertisement
Penguins vs Senators same-game parlay
As noted, the Pens have dropped six straight with the most goals against in the league (4.33) during the skid, while Ottawa has been a 5-on-5 force with a fourth-ranked CF% and top-ranked expected goals percentage in December.
I’m also encouraged by Linus Ullmark turning away 23 of 25 shots during Monday’s road win over the Winnipeg Jets. Ullmark’s play has been better on home ice the past two years, sporting a .904 SV% at the Canadian Tire Centre compared to a .894 mark on the highway.
Returning to Batherson, he’s marked the scoresheet in five of seven games this month and paces the Sens in both goals and points per 60 minutes this season.
Advertisement
Penguins vs Senators SGP
Drake Batherson Over 0.5 points
Drake Batherson Over 2.5 shots on goal
Penguins vs Senators odds
Moneyline: Penguins +145 | Senators -170
Puck Line: Penguins +1.5 (-160) | Senators -1.5 (+140)
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-105) | Under 6.5 (-115)
Penguins vs Senators trend
The Penguins have only won 34 of their last 81 games (-9.20 Units / -10% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Penguins vs. Senators.
How to watch Penguins vs Senators
Location
Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, ON
Date
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
SportsNet Pittsburgh, TSN5
Penguins vs Senators latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here