Senators vs Canadiens Prediction & Odds - 2/23/2025

The Ottawa Senators (29-23-4) welcome their provincial rivals, the Montreal Canadiens (25-26-5), to the Canadian Tire Centre for a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup on Saturday night.

The Senators, currently holding the top wild card spot in the East, have built their success on a formidable defense that allows just 2.77 goals per game, anchored by goaltender Linus Ullmark's impressive .915 save percentage.

Montreal enters the contest looking to snap a three-game losing streak, with their offense struggling to find consistency despite strong performances from Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, who have combined for 41 goals and 60 assists this season.

The matchup presents an intriguing contrast between Ottawa's defensive prowess, led by Thomas Chabot and Nick Jensen, against Montreal's top-heavy offensive approach.

While the Senators have maintained their playoff position through strong defensive play, the Canadiens remain within striking distance of a playoff spot despite recent setbacks.

This all-Canadian showdown promises to be a compelling battle between two teams with contrasting styles and different trajectories in their pursuit of playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

Ottawa Senators vs. Montreal Canadiens preview

The Canadian Tire Centre is set to host an intriguing all-Canadian matchup as the Ottawa Senators welcome their rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, in a crucial Eastern Conference battle this Saturday evening.

The Senators, currently holding the top wild card spot with a solid 29-23-4 record, have been riding high on the strength of their defensive prowess, allowing just 2.77 goals per game.

Montreal enters the contest struggling to find their rhythm, having dropped their last three games and sporting a 25-26-5 record that leaves them just shy of playoff contention.

The Senators' success has been anchored by their stellar defensive pairing of Thomas Chabot and Nick Jensen, who have combined for an impressive 16.3 defensive point shares, while netminder Linus Ullmark has been exceptional with a .915 save percentage.

On the offensive front, Ottawa's dynamic trio of Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk, and Drake Batherson have been leading the charge, contributing a combined 54 goals and 91 assists this season.

The Canadiens' offensive struggles continue to be a concern, though Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield have been bright spots, accounting for 41 goals and 60 assists between them.

Montreal's defensive woes have been particularly evident lately, having conceded 10 goals in their last three games, while goalkeeper Samuel Montembeault's .897 save percentage suggests he'll need to elevate his game for this matchup.

With both teams averaging under three goals per game offensively, this contest could well develop into a tactical defensive battle, particularly given Ottawa's league-leading defensive statistics.

The odds makers have installed the Senators as clear favourites at -170, reflecting both their superior recent form and home-ice advantage.

Look for the Senators' defensive discipline and Ullmark's steady presence between the pipes to be the deciding factors in what promises to be a classic Canadian hockey showdown.