Both teams come into this contest having played yesterday. The only advantage Boston would have in this respect, is that they did play in Boston. Meanwhile, Ottawa was shivering alongside the famous Rideau Canal. Welcome back to NHL Predictions, with us here at Last Word On Hockey. Check out our statistical breakdown, analysis, storylines, and predictions for not just this one, but games all season long. As the two Atlantic Division rivals conclude their season series, meeting for the fourth time, who are you taking?

NHL Predictions and Ottawa Senators at Boston Bruins

2025-26 Season Series Ottawa is 2-0-1

Start Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

How to Watch: RDSI, TSN5, NESN

Location: TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is always a homecoming of sorts for Brady Tkachuk. His dad is from there originally, and they do have family in the area. Also, Brady did attend the famous Boston University, home of the Terriers.

There is a bit of a rivalry brewing, between none other than Tkachuk, and the more than willing combatant from the Bruins, Nikita Zadorov. Besides the fact the two teams are divisional rivals, and battling for valuable points, there is always the possibility of a dust up between the two sides, given some of the characters involved.

Another storyline is who else is returning to play their former team. Mark Kastelic and Linus Ullmark would be the usual suspects, in this regard. Kastelic has experienced a resurgence in Boston. He also sees some time on the power play. He has 13 points in 36 contests this season. Meanwhile, Ullmark is a star player, and gets a lot of credit for the Sens success, and failures, too.

The Goaltending Matchup is Likely a Couple of Familiar Faces

We think Ullmark gets the call tonight, after Leevi Merilainen was the backstop in yesterday’s 6-4 victory versus the Chicago Blackhawks. Ullmark was the goalie of record in one of the two teams’ previous three meetings, the Sens only blemish, a 3-2 overtime loss. He is 13-8-4 on the year, and his stats continue to improve. He has a 2.89 goals-against average and an .884 save percentage. It’s likely he sees the guy he was traded for, Joonas Korpisalo. With Jeremy Swayman taking the loss yesterday versus Vancouver, expect Korpisalo to start. His numbers are very mediocre, at 6-6-0 and a 3.35 GAA. However, he does have a better save percentage than Ullmark, at .888. Both tenders will be motivated against their respective previous clubs. However, this is a good chance to add our disclaimer. Please check social media for the very latest lineup news before locking in your daily fantasy rosters.

A Couple Thoughts on Ottawa

One of the storylines from the Sens win against the Hawks, was the return of defenceman Thomas Chabot. The way he controls the puck, his skating, and overall command and management of the game was noticeable. The Sens are very glad to have him back in the lineup.

Tim Stutzle comes into this one hot for the Sens. He has a six-game point streak going, and in all but one of those games, it was a multi-point effort. Moreover, he looks to continue to power the Sens along.

What About the Those Who Come From Beantown

For the Bruins, they are a team that seems to be punching above their weight-class this year. At 20-15-1, they currently sit in fourth in the very tight Atlantic Division standings. Meanwhile, Ottawa’s 17-13-4 record has them sixth in the division. The separation between them, and the division leading Detroit Red Wings, is just five points. Boston looks to stay in the hunt, and wins in games like this one, especially at home, will go a long way, when it comes to end of year standings. Ottawa is looking to prove they are a worthy Stanley Cup Playoff team, and need to get back in the lead pack, within the division.

One reason the Bruins have been strong, has been the emergence of Morgan Geekie. The Manitoba native has been on fire this year, and even though he wasn’t on their radar, the Team Canada management brass for the Olympic selection has had to take notice. Given his hot play, he would have been a fine selection. He’s up to 25 goals, through just 36 games played. He, along with David Pastrnak, who leads the team with 38 points, pace the Bruins attack.

For a more head-to-head comparison, both teams have similarly successful power plays. Ottawa is seventh at 25%, while Boston is even better, at fifth (26%). Neither of the penalty kills is particularly strong. Boston is 17th at 80.5%, and Ottawa is very slowly improving, but remains 31st, at 71%. According to Moneypuck, there is one potential differentiator, and it comes at 5v5 play. In expected goal percentage, Ottawa is fourth in the entire league at 54.6%. However, Boston struggles, and are 27th at 46.6%. This might be a way that Ottawa can expose Boston, if they can take advantage with some contributions from throughout the lineup.

NHL Predictions

Putting it all together, and with Ottawa hot, we like them in this one. Yes, Boston is 6-3-1 in their last ten overall, but lost their last two. Ottawa has won three in a row, and done well against Boston this season. We like them to prevail, but it will be a close one, with the goalies looking to make a statement.

Prediction: Senators 3 – Bruins 2

Prop Bets

Ottawa has had some forwards hot recently. Let’s go with Brady Tkachuk, he’s got five goals in the last three games. We think he keeps it going. We have to go with Geekie for Boston. He is a bit of an unstoppable force, lately, and all season long. He’s got three tucks in his last three games.

To go along with our score prediction, check out a couple anytime scorers.

Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images

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