In today’s edition of NHL Predictions, the Ottawa Senators look to extract a little bit of revenge on the Carolina Hurricanes after the result from the previous weekend of play. Welcome to today’s predictions, as each day we break down stats and storylines, and discuss how we think the games will play out. We are getting ever closer to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, as Ottawa still has to play the Philadelphia Flyers and the Hurricanes have a date left with the New York Rangers on Thursday. But what about tonight’s game? Will Ottawa be able to keep up their strong play, or will the Metropolitan Division powerhouse be too mighty?

NHL Predictions Hurricanes and Senators

Season Series: Carolina downed Ottawa 4-1 on January 24th, they also meet on April 5th.

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

How to Watch: TSN5, RDS, FDSNSO

Location: Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina

The last time out between these two teams, went decidedly in Carolina’s favour. It will be somewhat curious to see what Ottawa can change. Even though it was only nine days ago, Ottawa’s position may have changed slightly. They are currently at a point, where if they don’t play nearly unbeatable, they won’t make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. There was more wiggle room last time. So, maybe it means that Ottawa is a little looser, knowing that winning is the only option. Just go out there and play, and whatever happens, happens, so to speak. According to hockeystats.com, this is a huge swing game for the Sens. A regulation win bumps their playoff probability to 55%, while a loss sinks it to 41%.

It is also to consider that the Sens strength of remaining schedule has shifted. It was considered one of the tougher schedules. However, having played three divisional leaders, going back to that Carolina game, their remaining schedule is more manageable. That also includes a big win last night versus the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Story from Carolina

Carolina comes into this one red hot. They have points in their last eight games (6-0-2). Last time we did our NHL Predictions, we talked about a lot that Carolina does well. They drive play well, as their team Corsi percentage is 59.5% (first in the NHL). Meanwhile, Ottawa is strong there, too (53.0%, good for fifth).

Carolina’s big advantage comes in actual 5v5 goals. They are ranked tenth, while Ottawa’s defence is down in 23rd. Carolina has spread around the scoring, with seven guys with 10-or-more even strength goals. This is led by Seth Jarvis (17) and Sebastian Aho (14).

What’s the Word for Ottawa

For Ottawa, they come in winners of four straight, having allowed just six goals in those contests. They have been playing well all season, as indicated by their team Corsi rating. Unfortunately, the results haven’t followed for much of the year. Lately, it seems the team has been able to limit its weaknesses.

It seems the Sens haven’t been doing a lot different. They’ve been sticking with it, and playing their game, and it has worked. Even the Sens last loss, against the Hurricanes in fact, despite the 4-1 scoreline, the Sens outshot them 37-19.

One aspect that has been driving the Sens forward has been depth contributions. Four players have a point-per-game in the those past four games. That includes Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle with seven, and Drake Batherson and Tyler Kleven with four. If they can find that balanced attack versus the Hurricanes, then they will be all right.

Ottawa

Power Play – 22.5% (11th)
Penalty Kill – 73.2% (30th)

Carolina

Power Play – 21.6% (13th)
Penalty Kill – 81.3% (10th)

The Starters

Today’s goaltending matchup is setting up to be one between two guys at opposite points of their career. For the Sens, it seems as though James Reimer will relieve Linus Ullmark who started last night in Pittsburgh. Reimer comes in with 530 career games under his belt, not knowing if his NHL career would even continue until the Sens signed him a couple weeks ago. He possesses a 2-2-1 record on the campaign. Meanwhile, Brandon Bussi has been all the hustle and bustle. He just set the record for most wins in his first 25 NHL games (21), surpassing the record of 20 previously held by Bill Durnan and Sens fans…Andrew Hammond, or more commonly known in these parts as The Hamburglar.

However, it is a great time for our disclaimer. Please check social media prior to puck drop, to see definitely who gets the nod, before setting your fantasy roster for the day.

NHL Predictions

Given the urgency the Sens know they need to play with, we are taking them. Their goaltending seems to have been a calming piece with the return of Ullmark. The Sens need wins, and we think they figure things out after the previous loss to Carolina.

Prediction: Hurricanes 2 – Senators 3

Prop Bets

For a couple of anytime goal scorers, check these guys out. Stutzle has been going for Ottawa and scored last time versus Carolina. For Carolina, we will take Andrei Svechnikov.

Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

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