Ottawa (23-18-4) at New Jersey (26-16-6)
- When: Jan 19 2025, 1:00 PM
- Where: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ, USA
- TV: MSGSN
Game Preview
The New Jersey Devils, listed as a -190 moneyline favorite with the total set at 5.5, will look to snap a three-game losing streak when they host the red-hot Ottawa Senators on Sunday afternoon in Newark. Here’s a breakdown of this NHL showdown, along with some gambling insights and predictions.
Ottawa Senators: Riding Momentum
The Senators (4-0-1 in their last five games) are coming off a thrilling 6-5 shootout win over the Boston Bruins. They’ve been finding ways to score, led by Tim Stutzle, who has three goals in his last five games and leads the team with 45 points in 45 games. Josh Norris also contributed with two goals against Boston, continuing his recent hot streak with five points in the last five contests.
Ottawa has been excellent offensively but has shown defensive vulnerabilities, giving up five goals to the Bruins. Goaltender Leevi Merilainen might get the nod again after making 23 saves on Saturday, though Anton Forsberg remains an option. Merilainen has already handled back-to-back starts this month, winning both.
New Jersey Devils: Searching for Answers
The Devils are reeling, going 0-1-2 in their last three games and just 2-5-3 in their previous 10. They lost 3-1 to the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday despite outshooting their opponent, a recurring issue for a team struggling to convert offensive opportunities.
Dougie Hamilton scored New Jersey’s lone goal on Saturday, but the team’s offensive stars, including Nico Hischier (22 goals) and Jack Hughes (team-leading 55 points), will need to step up. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom, likely to start on Sunday, has been solid this season with a 2.20 GAA and a .913 save percentage. He also has decent career numbers against Ottawa, going 6-6-3 with a .912 save percentage.
Head-to-Head Matchup
These teams met earlier this season on Oct. 17, with New Jersey taking a 3-1 win in Ottawa. The Devils’ structured defense stifled Ottawa’s offense, while Jacob Markstrom was stellar in net, making 30 saves.
Ottawa’s captain Brady Tkachuk, who leads the team with 18 goals, scored the Senators’ only goal in that game. The Senators will look to replicate their recent scoring prowess to break through New Jersey’s defense.
Betting Trends and Predictions
ATS and Moneyline: Ottawa’s momentum makes them an attractive underdog, but the Devils have historically dominated this matchup, especially at home. New Jersey’s strong goaltending and urgency to bounce back give them the edge. Take New Jersey on the moneyline at -190.
Total: Both teams have shown offensive flashes, but New Jersey’s defensive structure and Ottawa’s potential fatigue from a back-to-back might keep this game under the 5.5 total. Lean toward the under.
Prediction: New Jersey 3, Ottawa 2
Expect a close, hard-fought game where the Devils capitalize on home-ice advantage and a desperate need to snap their skid. Ottawa’s hot streak may cool down as their defensive flaws are exposed. Keep an eye on New Jersey’s stars to make the difference.
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
