By: Kim Smith Published 01/24/2026, 05:10 AM ET 
The Carolina Hurricanes head north to face the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in an Eastern Conference matchup at Canadian Tire Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, with television coverage available on ESPN+ and FanDuel Sports Network South. At the time of this writing, Carolina is listed as a -125 road favorite on the moneyline, while Ottawa comes back at +105 on home ice. The total is set at 6.5 goals, with the Over priced at +105 and the Under at -125, and the puck line features Carolina -1.5 (+185) against Ottawa +1.5 (-225). For more betting insight across the NHL slate, be sure to check out our free NHL picks for daily analysis and predictions.
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Terms & Conditions Hurricanes Bringing Balance on the Road
Carolina Hurricanes enter this matchup with a 31-15-5 overall record and have been reliable away from home this season, posting a strong 13-7-3 road mark. Carolina has won three of its last five games, recently picking up victories over Buffalo, New Jersey, and Florida, while also recently losing to Chicago in a shootout and St. Louis. That stretch highlights a team that is generally consistent, even when results fluctuate slightly.
From a statistical standpoint, Carolina remains one of the most well-rounded teams in the league. The Hurricanes average 3.37 goals per game while allowing just 2.86, one of the better defensive numbers among Eastern Conference contenders. They also dominate possession metrics, averaging 32.3 shots per game while allowing only 24.1, a clear indicator of their ability to control play at even strength. Special teams have been solid but not elite, with a 21.2% power play and a 79.9% penalty kill.
Carolina’s defining strength is its relentless forecheck and ability to wear down opponents over 60 minutes. The Hurricanes are disciplined, with just 407 penalty minutes on the season, and they have generated six shorthanded goals without allowing one against. When Carolina establishes its cycle game and keeps shifts short, it becomes extremely difficult for opponents to sustain pressure.
Senators Searching for Stability at Home
Ottawa Senators come into Saturday’s contest with a 23-20-7 overall record and have been competitive at home, posting an 11-9-4 mark at Canadian Tire Centre. Ottawa has dropped three of its last five games, recently losing to Nashville, Detroit in overtime, and Montreal in overtime, while also recently winning over Columbus and the Rangers in high-scoring fashion. That inconsistency has defined much of Ottawa’s season.
Statistically, Ottawa averages 3.26 goals per game but allows 3.38, a margin that reflects defensive struggles despite solid offensive production. The Senators generate 28.3 shots per game while allowing 25.2, numbers that suggest they can compete territorially but often struggle with coverage breakdowns. Their power play has been productive at 23.5% with 39 goals, but the penalty kill remains a major weakness at just 71.7%.
Ottawa’s biggest advantage lies in its ability to strike quickly and capitalize on power-play opportunities. However, their lack of defensive consistency and struggles killing penalties put them at risk against structured teams like Carolina. If Ottawa takes unnecessary penalties, it could quickly tilt the game in the Hurricanes’ favor.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Ottawa Senators PickCarolina Hurricanes vs Ottawa Senators Pick Carolina Hurricanes -125 (Moneyline)
I’m backing Carolina on the moneyline in this matchup. The Hurricanes’ edge in shot volume, defensive structure, and overall consistency gives them a clear advantage, even on the road. Ottawa’s tendency to give up quality chances and struggle on the penalty kill makes it difficult to trust them against a disciplined team like Carolina.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Ottawa Senators Total Pick
I’m leaning to the Under in this game. Carolina prefers to slow games down once it gains control, and Ottawa’s scoring often comes in spurts rather than sustained pressure. With the Hurricanes limiting shots and high-danger chances, this matchup sets up for a tighter, more controlled contest that stays below the number.
Final Score Prediction: Carolina Hurricanes 4, Ottawa Senators 2
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Friday.
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