Montreal (39-30-9) at Ottawa (42-30-6)
- When: Apr 11 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, ON, CAN
- TV: ESPN+
Rangers vs Islanders Preview & Prediction
Ottawa Moneyline -160 | Total: 5.5
The Ottawa Senators may have locked in a postseason berth, but there’s still plenty on the line Friday night when they host the Montreal Canadiens in a high-stakes Atlantic Division clash. MYBookie Oddsmakers have the Senators priced as -160 favorites on the moneyline, with the total set at 5.5 goals.
Ottawa Senators Betting Outlook:
The Sens (42-30-6, 90 points) clinched a playoff spot earlier this week thanks to a favorable result from the Canadiens but are still eyeing positioning. They currently sit atop the Eastern Conference wild-card standings, and finishing strong is key if they want momentum heading into the postseason. Despite a 5-2 loss to the Blue Jackets in their last outing, Ottawa had previously won three straight and will now aim to bounce back at home.
Coach Travis Green emphasized that while the playoff ticket has been punched, the real work begins now. Ottawa wants to stay sharp and secure as many points as possible with home ice still in play. The team could also be getting healthier, with veteran forward Nick Cousins potentially returning to the lineup after missing extended time with a knee injury.
Defenseman Thomas Chabot has quietly put together a three-game point streak, logging three assists and a goal in that stretch. In goal, Linus Ullmark is heating up at just the right time, with five wins in his last six starts and a shutout performance in his most recent outing against Columbus.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Outlook:
Montreal (39-30-9, 87 points) enters Friday night riding the NHL’s longest current win streak at six games and sits just behind Ottawa in the wild-card race. Not only can they punch their playoff ticket with a win, but they also have a chance to leapfrog the Senators and gain a critical edge in seeding.
Coach Martin St. Louis is focused on peaking at the right time, and the Canadiens are doing exactly that. Center Nick Suzuki has been unstoppable lately, tallying 17 points in his last 12 games and multi-point efforts in five of his last six. He leads the team in overall points and shares the assist lead with young defenseman Lane Hutson. Cole Caufield remains a reliable finisher, pacing the Habs with 37 goals.
Between the pipes, Sam Montembeault has been a rock, winning five consecutive starts while allowing two or fewer goals in each of them. His performance gives Montreal a shot in every game, especially against a playoff-bound rival like Ottawa.
Expert Prediction:
With both teams eyeing playoff seeding, expect a playoff-like intensity in this one. Ottawa has been tough at home and boasts better defensive depth and goaltending consistency, while Montreal’s youth and hot streak can’t be overlooked. Still, the Senators’ home-ice edge and slight roster advantage give them the upper hand here.
Final Score Prediction: Ottawa 3, Montreal 2
Best Bet: Senators ML (-160)
Lean: Under 5.5 (+100) – both goalies are in form, and playoff-style defense should tighten things up.
- NHL Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
