Ottawa (37-28-5) at Detroit (33-32-6)
- When: Mar 27 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI, USA
- TV: FDSDETX
NHL Betting Preview: Ottawa Senators vs Detroit Red Wings – Odds, Predictions & Picks
Moneyline: Ottawa -133 | Total: 6.0
The Ottawa Senators may have cooled off recently, but they remain in control of the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference and will look to tighten their grip when they head to Detroit to face a struggling Red Wings squad on Thursday night.
Ottawa Senators Outlook:
Despite a 3-2 loss to Buffalo on Tuesday — their third defeat in four games — the Senators (37-28-5, 79 points) are still in the driver’s seat in the wild-card race thanks to a strong six-game winning streak earlier this month. However, with playoff pressure mounting, Ottawa needs to regain form quickly.
The Senators outshot Buffalo 32-24, dominated in the faceoff circle (70.9%), and stayed out of the penalty box, yet couldn’t convert in even-strength play. The missed opportunities proved costly.
Ottawa head coach Travis Green emphasized the need to be more physical and opportunistic in front of the net. The Senators generated chances early but failed to capitalize, and now they face a must-bounce-back game against a team they’ve already beaten twice this season by identical 2-1 scores.
Linus Ullmark was a major factor in the last meeting, stopping 48 of 49 Red Wings shots, including 27 in the second period alone. He’s expected to be between the pipes again and remains one of Ottawa’s key assets heading into this pivotal contest.
Detroit Red Wings Outlook:
The Red Wings (33-32-6, 72 points) are in freefall, having lost 10 of their last 13 games. Once in position to claim the final wild-card spot themselves, Detroit is now chasing and running out of time.
Their latest setback was a 5-2 road loss to the Avalanche on Tuesday, a game where they briefly led but were undone by a series of defensive breakdowns. Head coach Todd McLellan acknowledged the scheduling grind but pointed out that critical mistakes against elite competition simply can’t happen this late in the season.
Detroit’s effort hasn’t been the issue — they’ve generated shots and stayed competitive — but goaltending depth is being tested. With injuries to Petr Mrazek and Cam Talbot, Alex Lyon was forced into action and allowed four goals. Talbot’s status for Thursday remains uncertain, but his potential return would be a boost.
J.T. Compher has been one of the few bright spots, scoring in each of the last two games. Defenseman Moritz Seider called for more focus, noting how quickly games can slip away against top-tier opponents.
Betting Trends & Predictions:
Moneyline: Ottawa -133
Total: 6.0
The Senators have had Detroit’s number this season, winning two of three tight matchups. With the Red Wings reeling and goaltending a question mark, Ottawa has a clear edge in current form. Expect Ullmark to once again be a difference-maker.
Final Score Prediction:
Senators 3, Red Wings 2
Best Bets:
Ottawa Moneyline (-133)
Under 6.0 (-110) Total Goals
Ullmark Over 29.5 Saves
J.T. Compher Anytime Goal Scorer (value pick)
Ottawa has more to play for and the edge in goal, making them the sharper side in this Eastern wild-card showdown.
- NHL Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
