Well, we are here for a Monday night in late December. Maybe some people kickstarted their New Year’s resolutions early, or some are remaining festive, but either way, we have some Sens hockey for you. Today’s edition of NHL Predictions, presented by us here at Last Word On Hockey is between the Columbus Blue Jackets traveling north to the Capital City of Canada, and the Ottawa Senators.

NHL Predictions Blue Jackets and Senators

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

How to Watch: TSN5, RDSI, FDSNOH

Location: Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON

It will be shame for Sen fans, who may not follow other teams as closely, such as the Blue Jackets.

The Blue Jackets Will Likely Be Without One Key Element

Generally, the Blue Jackets have been known for sprinkling in the star factor. Whether that is Rick Nash, Sergei Bobrovsky, or heck, a member of the Hall of Fame that suited it up in Ohio for parts of three seasons, Sergei Fedorov. But the player whose status is up in the air for tonight’s game is star defenceman Zach Werenski. He is a very dynamic and offensively gifted d-man. Furthermore, he is one of the top offensive defenceman in the NHL, and a top blueliner in the eyes of those picking the Olympic Team USA.

🚨 Team Update 🚨

We’ve activated F Mathieu Olivier off Injured Reserve and placed D Zach Werenski on IR (day-to-day).

CBJ x @OHHeartofitAll pic.twitter.com/rl9EHoyKHX

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) December 28, 2025

Werenski has been placed on injured reserve, but listed as day-to-day. He’s not expected to miss much time, but we don’t expect to see him tonight.

He actually leads the Blue Jackets in scoring, and by a fair margin. His 40 points leads Kirill Marchenko’s 29, who’s in second place. Adam Fantilli and Dmitri Voronkov come in next at 24 each.

In any case, for Werenski personally, we can expect to hear his name called over the next few days. The countries need to have their rosters in for December 31st. Team USA will definitely be calling his name. Likewise for Ottawa, Brady Tkachuk is already on that team. Moreover, Jake Sanderson likely will be called, but he’s not guaranteed. Shane Pinto, who’s been injured, had stirred some mention earlier this year after a scorching-hot start. However, he has likely fallen out of contention for a spot.

Continuing on that note, both Pinto and Tyler Kleven could play tonight. The team was going to see how they are doing later today, and decide.

Based on yesterday’s news, it does seem like Linus Ullmark will be out for this one. There’s no word on if or who they will call up. However, this is a good time for our disclaimer to please check social media for the latest lineup news before locking in your daily fantasy roster.

Pinto and Kleven are possible for tomorrow. Need to speak to the medical group #Sens

— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) December 28, 2025

The Matchup, Between the Pipes

If we move onto the goaltending matchup, we believe Leevi Merilainen goes for Ottawa. He’s 4-6-0 on the year, with a 3.43 goals-against average and an .874 save percentage. For Columbus, Elvis Merzlikins is expected to go. He comes in 6-6-1. In contrast, despite the 500-record, his stats have not been good. He has a 4.04 goals-against average and an .877 save percentage. In terms of advantage, maybe a slight edge to Columbus, given Merzlikins veteran attribute. But, looking at the numbers, neither has a clear leg up on the other.

Studying the Statistical Matchup Between Blue Jackest and Sens

If we compare the team statistics, we can help decide who might prevail. Ottawa does well offensively. Their power play is ranked fourth at 25.8%, and their goals-for-per-game is eighth at 3.27. Conversely, Columbus is average, or slightly below, in those two categories. Their power play is 14th at 19.8%, and their GF/GP of 2.92, puts them in a tie for 20th. Both teams have bad penalty kills, in the bottom five in the league. Moreover, Ottawa does have one or two clear advantages. We have discussed their faceoff prowess at length, but there’s another stat, too. Looking at average shots on goal allowed, Ottawa is fifth at 25.6. That should give them an advantage over Columbus, who are 30th at 30.7.

NHL Predictions

We think Ottawa comes out hungry in this one. Following the loss to the Leafs on Saturday, they want to get a win at home.

Prediction: Blue Jackets 1 – Senators 4

Prop Bets

For our anytime scorer selection, we are taking Tim Stutzle for Ottawa. Not only does he have a nine-game point streak, but has scored a goal in his each of his last four games. For Columbus, Mason Marchment has picked up some goals since being acquired from Seattle. However, our specific pick is Kirill Marchenko. He has three goals in his last two games, that gives him 13 in 33 overall on the year. If you want a secondary pick for Ottawa, Claude Giroux is riding a five-game point streak. He has two goals and six assists in those contests.

Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images

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