Ottawa (28-20-4) at Nashville (18-26-7)
- When: Feb 3 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, USA
- TV: FDSSO
Game Preview
Nashville Moneyline -117 | Total Set at 5.5
Ottawa Senators Outlook
The Senators are riding a wave of offensive momentum, entering this matchup on a four-game winning streak where they’ve outscored opponents 16-6. Their latest outing was a dominant 6-0 shutout against Minnesota, marking their fourth consecutive home victory.
Tim Stutzle has been a major catalyst, tallying seven points (two goals, five assists) during this winning run. Meanwhile, defenseman Jake Sanderson has also stepped up, registering two goals and six assists in his last four games. Ottawa’s special teams have been clicking, notching three power-play goals against the Wild and four short-handed tallies over the last three contests.
Despite their hot streak, the Senators have struggled on the road. Before their recent homestand, they were blanked in consecutive games at New York (5-0) and Boston (2-0). However, they did win three straight away from home prior to that.
In net, rookie Leevi Merilainen has been a revelation, posting three shutouts in 11 starts with a stellar 1.99 goals-against average. If he gets the start over Anton Forsberg, Ottawa’s defense could hold strong against Nashville’s struggling offense. The Senators could also see the return of Linus Ullmark, who has been sidelined with a back injury but boasts an impressive 7-1-0 record with a 1.08 GAA in his last eight starts.
Nashville Predators Outlook
The Predators have hit a rough patch, dropping four straight games after previously winning five in a row. Their offense has been nearly non-existent, scoring just six goals over this losing streak. The struggles continued in their last outing, a 3-0 shutout loss to Pittsburgh where they managed only 25 shots on goal.
Star forward Filip Forsberg (18 goals, 31 assists) has been held without a point in three straight games, while Steven Stamkos is also in a slump, failing to register a point in his last four appearances.
Goaltender Juuse Saros (2.84 GAA) has lost three straight starts, while backup Justus Annunen has surrendered nine goals in his last two outings. The defensive struggles have put even more pressure on an offense that hasn’t been able to find its rhythm.
On home ice, the Predators had been solid before this skid, winning four straight at Bridgestone Arena. Tommy Novak has been a bright spot, posting two goals and three assists in his last three home games. If the offense can wake up, Nashville could snap its losing streak.
Betting Trends and Prediction
Ottawa is 9-2-1 in its last 12 games and has found a scoring groove.
Nashville has lost four in a row, with just six goals in that span.
The Predators won four straight at home before this skid.
The Senators took the first meeting 3-1 in December.
Nashville’s offensive struggles are hard to ignore, and Ottawa is playing its best hockey of the season. The Senators’ special teams are clicking, and their goaltending situation—whether it’s Merilainen or a returning Ullmark—gives them an edge. With the Predators’ stars in a slump and their defense faltering, Ottawa looks primed to steal another win.
Final Prediction: Ottawa wins outright (-103), and the under (5.5) is worth a look given Nashville’s offensive woes.
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
