Ottawa (42-29-6) at Columbus (34-33-9)
- When: Apr 8 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH, USA
- TV: FDSOH
Senators vs Blue Jackets Preview & Prediction
Ottawa Moneyline -120 | Total: 6.0
The Ottawa Senators are on the brink of ending their lengthy playoff drought, and Tuesday night presents the perfect opportunity to seal the deal. A win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on the road would officially punch Ottawa’s postseason ticket for the first time since 2017 — and oddsmakers have them as slim favorites to get it done.
Ottawa Senators Outlook
Riding a wave of momentum with three consecutive wins, the Senators (42-29-6, 90 points) are peaking at the right time. They’ve posted back-to-back shutouts, including a dominant 4-0 win over this same Columbus team just two days ago. Their recent form has been driven by a complete team effort — seven different skaters have scored in their past two games, while the goaltending has been airtight.
Ottawa’s defense has locked it down with a current shutout streak of 153 minutes, split between goalies Anton Forsberg and Linus Ullmark. Ullmark, who was in net for the shutout over Columbus on Sunday, boasts strong career numbers against the Jackets (7-2-2, 2.08 GAA, .937 SV%). If he gets the nod again Tuesday, he’ll be in a prime spot to deliver another quality outing.
In terms of roster health, key players like captain Brady Tkachuk and Nick Cousins have returned to skating and may rejoin the lineup. Tkachuk leads the Senators with 29 goals and is third in points (55), making his possible return a huge boost. Even if he’s not ready, Ottawa’s depth and recent cohesion make them a tough out right now.
Columbus Blue Jackets Breakdown
The Blue Jackets (34-33-9, 77 points) are on the verge of being mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, having lost three straight and 12 of their last 16 (4-11-1). Once holding a wild-card spot as recently as March 1, Columbus now sits eight points behind the Canadiens for the final playoff berth in the East — with three teams to leapfrog and just six games left.
Columbus failed to score a single goal across two games this past weekend, including a 5-0 drubbing by Toronto and the shutout loss to Ottawa. Their offense has dried up at the worst possible time, with top blueliner Zach Werenski stuck in a slump. Despite setting career highs in assists (54) and points (74), Werenski hasn’t found the net since March 4 and has been blanked in nine of his last 12 outings.
Coach Dean Evason continues to preach belief, but unless the Jackets can snap out of their funk immediately, their window will slam shut.
Betting Prediction and Pick
The Senators are favored on the moneyline at -120 with the total set at 6.0. Considering the sharp form Ottawa is in and the downward spiral Columbus is enduring, this spot heavily favors the Sens.
Score Prediction: Senators 4, Blue Jackets 3
Best Bets:
Pick: Senators ML (-120) – Too much on the line for Ottawa to slip now.
Lean: Over 6.0 (-112) – With urgency high for both clubs, expect a few defensive lapses.
Linus Ullmark OVER 26.5 Saves – If he starts, Columbus may fire pucks in desperation mode.
Claude Giroux Anytime Goal Scorer – A veteran presence who thrives in big moments.
Ottawa gets the job done and secures a long-awaited playoff return.
- NHL Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
