The Penguins host the Senators in an Eastern Conference clash. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. In today’s matchup, the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Ottawa Senators at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins look to snap a three-game losing streak, while the Senators aim to pad their points lead in holding the top wildcard spot in the East.
NHL Predictions
Ottawa Senators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Senators 2-0 Penguins
Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN5, RDS, Sportsnet+,
This will be the third meeting between these teams this season. The Ottawa Senators took both of the first two games by scores of 3-2 and 5-0.
The Penguins’ Story
The Pittsburgh Penguins have lost three straight games following a 7-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. With these losses, the Penguins are 29-34-11 on the season, seventh-last in the league. Teams like the Sabres and Seattle Kraken have games in hand on Pittsburgh, making it a possibility that the team slides even further down the standings.
In the game against Buffalo, Sidney Crosby put up his 26th goal and 80th point of the season, guaranteeing a point-per-game season for the 20th straight year. This broke the previous record of 19 straight point-per-game seasons set by Wayne Gretzky. Along with Crosby, his linemates Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust have continued to shine. Rakell has 63 points, and Rust with 55 on the season to place second and third on team scoring. This line will need to continue their excellent play against the Senators to stand a chance at snapping their current losing streak.
The Senators’ Story
Ottawa will be playing on the second half of a back-to-back against Pittsburgh. The Senators played last night in a 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The win helped give the Senators more runway in the Eastern Conference wild card race. Going 7-3-0 in their last 10, the Senators sit eight points ahead of Montreal holding onto wildcard spot two. A win against the Penguins would further cement the Senators in this playoff race.
The Senators are lead in scoring by centre Tim Stutzle. Stutzle has scored 21 goals and 71 points in 72 games this season. Ottawa has seen great production from it’s top six, alongside Stutzle, the Senators have another three forwards with four or more points this season. A name to watch out for in this game is recent acquisition Dylan Cozens. The young forward has three goals and nine points in 11 games played since being moved
NHL Prediction
The Ottawa Senators are trending upwards, looking to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Expect them to put their best foot forward and defeat the Penguins for a valuable two points.
NHL Prediction: Senators win 5-3.
Prop Bet for the Night
Total Goals Over 7 (+200): The Penguins have struggled with defence this season and have allowed 13 goals over their last two games. Against a hot Ottawa team, expect another high-scoring loss for Pittsburgh.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire – Imagn Images
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