In today’s edition of NHL Predictions, we have both teams’ first game back from after the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The Detroit Red Wings travel to take on the Ottawa Senators, in an Atlantic Division matchup. Find out our thoughts for the game for statistics and storylines, and who we think will win.

NHL Predictions Red Wings and Senators

Season Series: The teams played twice in January in which Detroit won once in regulation and once in overtime. They also are scheduled to play again in March.

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

How to Watch: TSN5, RDS2, FDSNDET

Location: Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario.

This matchup features a pair of teams that have a growing hatred for one another. For recency, it doesn’t help that former Senator Alex DeBrincat won the game in overtime just 36 seconds in, the last time these two teams met. The teams have a lot of familiar faces in the crowd, and are divisional rivals. The fact that the Red Wings are much more comfortable in the standings right now, only fuels Ottawa’s fire. Hopefully, it is the fire that lights the candle that leads them to springtime hockey. Playoffs?

Both teams are ready to get back at it after the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. There were a few players from each team represented at the Olympics. So, they can equally use the fuel of motivation from playing in the high-intensity hockey, as well as the collective rest for most of the players, to really bring it in tonight’s action.

It seems the biggest storyline for Ottawa right now, is can they get wins? Enough wins that put them in a Stanley Cup Playoff position.

It will sure be an arduous climb. They currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference standings. The team they are closest to in a playoff spot right now is the Boston Bruins. Boston is six points clear of them, and currently 6-1-3, in their last ten games. Meanwhile, Detroit is in a three-way tier with the Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres for second place in the division. Therefore, there’s lots of mud for Ottawa to crawl through, if they want to taste the postseason in 2026.

According to MoneyPuck, the Sens currently have a 41.4% chance of making the playoffs. Detroit is sitting a little prettier at 77.4%. Boston is the team in a playoff spot with the lowest odds (60.5%).

The Goalies

One of their biggest keys to this stretch drive will be their goaltending. They have two, more than competent, goaltenders in James Reimer and Linus Ullmark patrolling the crease. But their team save percentage is a lacklustre .868 on the season. However, we will add, it has been improving as the season has gone along. If the tandem can remain healthy and play well, the Sens have a shot. Anything else, will surely cause them to lose out in the race for springtime puck.

For Detroit, one of the reasons for their success in 2025-26, has been their goaltending. John Gibson is listed as the expected started. He puts his solid 22-12-2 record on the line. He comes in sporting a 2.54 goals-against average, a .904 save percentage, and four shutouts. Ullmark is the Sens expected starter, with a 16-8-5 mark, a 2.83 goals-against average, an .884 save percentage, and one shutout.

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.

Ottawa’s Story

For Ottawa, it will be interesting to see how their players perform after the NHL break. Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson will look to carry the momentum of a tremendous Gold Medal victory for Team USA. In addition, Tim Stutzle had been on fire before the break, with goals in five-straight games. He also potted four for his nation, Team Germany. If those guys can ramp it up, it should take care of Ottawa’s offensive attack.

The Word from Detroit

For Detroit, their attack is also led by a couple of guys who were at the Olympics. Sweden’s Lucas Raymond leads the team in scoring with 60 points. Moreover, Team USA’s Dylan Larkin is third on the team with 51 points. Larkin will look to carry his team with his leadership and scoring as we head towards playoffs.

NHL Predictions

We like Ottawa in this one, given their urgency, plus home-ice advantage. They also want revenge for those two losses in January. But with Gibson minding the net, they need to keep in mind, goals will not be easy to come by.

Prediction: Red Wings 2 – Senators 3

Prop Bets

For a couple of anytime goal scorers, check these guys out. Stutzle has been continuing to go for Ottawa. For Detroit, DeBrincat looks to get on board against his former team. Lock them in.

Main Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

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