By: Kim Smith Published 01/31/2026, 05:25 AM ET 
The New Jersey Devils travel north to Ottawa to face the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in an Eastern Conference matchup at the Canadian Tire Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+. Ottawa enters the contest as the home favorite with the Senators listed at -142 on the moneyline. The total for this matchup is set at 5.5 goals. Be sure to check out our free NHL picks for more daily NHL betting insights and expert predictions.
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Terms & Conditions Devils Trying to Stay Competitive on the Road
New Jersey comes into this matchup with a 28-24-2 overall record and has been fairly balanced away from home this season, posting a 15-14-0 road record. The Devils have shown resilience in difficult road environments, though defensive inconsistencies have limited their ceiling. Over their last five games, New Jersey has recently won over Nashville in overtime, lost to Winnipeg and Seattle, and picked up impressive road wins against Vancouver and Edmonton. That stretch reflects a team capable of beating quality opponents but still prone to defensive lapses.
From a statistical standpoint, the Devils average 2.60 goals per game while allowing 3.08, often forcing them to rely on tight, low-scoring games to find success. New Jersey generates 29.5 shots per game and allows 27.9, showing a willingness to push pace offensively. Their power play has been productive, converting at 22.7% with 30 power play goals on the season.
Defensively, New Jersey’s penalty kill sits at 79.3%, and they have yet to allow a shorthanded goal. The Devils have also scored four shorthanded goals of their own, indicating aggressive penalty-killing pressure. However, when New Jersey struggles, it often comes from extended defensive-zone time at even strength, something Ottawa will look to exploit.
Senators Looking to Protect Home Ice
Ottawa enters Saturday’s matchup with a 25-21-7 overall record and has been competitive at home with a 13-10-4 record at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators have been streaky this season but are capable of explosive performances when their offense gets rolling. Over their last five games, Ottawa has recently won over Colorado, Vegas, and Columbus, while suffering losses to Carolina and Nashville. That stretch highlights both their offensive upside and defensive volatility.
Offensively, Ottawa averages 3.32 goals per game while allowing 3.32, often engaging in fast-paced, high-event games. The Senators generate 28.4 shots per game and allow just 24.9, giving them an edge in puck possession. Their power play has been a major strength, operating at 22.4% with 39 power play goals on the season.
Defensively, Ottawa’s penalty kill has been a concern, sitting at just 72.2% while allowing 44 power play goals. While the Senators have not allowed a shorthanded goal, their struggles when down a man could be a liability against New Jersey’s efficient power play. Playing at home, Ottawa will look to push tempo and force the Devils into uncomfortable situations.
New Jersey Devils vs Ottawa Senators PickNew Jersey Devils vs Ottawa Senators Pick
Ottawa’s offensive depth and puck possession edge give them the advantage in this matchup, particularly at home. While New Jersey can generate shots, their defensive inconsistencies make it difficult to trust them against a Senators team that thrives in high-tempo games. If Ottawa establishes early pressure and capitalizes on scoring chances, they should be able to secure the win.
New Jersey Devils vs Ottawa Senators Total Pick
I’m leaning toward the under in this matchup because New Jersey tends to play tighter, more structured games, especially on the road. While Ottawa can score, the Devils’ willingness to slow tempo and limit high-danger chances could keep this game closer and lower scoring than expected.
Final Score Prediction: Ottawa Senators 3, New Jersey Devils 2
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Friday.
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