On February 3, 2025, the Ottawa Senators will face off against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. As of this date, the Senators are performing notably better than the Predators this season.
Current Standings and Records
- Ottawa Senators: 28 wins, 20 losses, 4 overtime losses (3rd in Atlantic Division)
- Nashville Predators: 18 wins, 26 losses, 7 overtime losses (7th in Central Division)
The Senators have demonstrated a more consistent performance, while the Predators have struggled significantly throughout the season.
Offensive and Defensive Performance
Ottawa Senators
- Goals per Game: 2.83 (21st in NHL)
- Total Goals Scored: 147
- Goals Against per Game: 2.67 (6th in NHL)
- Total Goals Conceded: 139
- Power Play Percentage: 22.7% (37 out of 163)
- Penalty Kill Percentage: 82.2% (defended against 147 power plays)
Nashville Predators
- Goals per Game: 2.61 (29th in NHL)
- Total Goals Scored: 133
- Goals Against per Game: 3.22 (24th in NHL)
- Total Goals Conceded: 164
- Power Play Percentage: 21.68% (31 out of 143)
- Penalty Kill Percentage: 81.63%
The Senators are not only scoring more but also allowing fewer goals compared to the Predators, showcasing a stronger defensive unit.
Goaltending Matchup
Ottawa Senators
- Leevi Merilainen
- Save Percentage: .925
- Goals Against Average (GAA): 1.99
Nashville Predators
- Juuse Saros
- Save Percentage: .901
- GAA: 2.84
Merilainen’s impressive stats highlight his effectiveness this season, giving the Senators an advantage in goal.
Injury Report
Ottawa Senators
- Nick Cousins – Out (Knee)
- Nick Jensen – Out (Undisclosed)
- Josh Norris – Day-to-Day
Nashville Predators
- Mark Jankowski – Out (Upper Body)
Both teams are dealing with injuries, but the Senators’ key players are mostly available, while the Predators have multiple absences that could impact their performance.
Home/Away Performance Analysis
- Senators Away Record: 12 wins, 13 losses, 2 overtime losses
- Predators Home Record: 12 wins, 9 losses, 3 overtime losses
While both teams have had mixed results at home and away, the Senators have shown resilience on the road.
Special Teams Effectiveness
The Senators’ power play is slightly more effective than that of the Predators, and their penalty kill unit is also performing better. This could be crucial in a close game where special teams play a significant role.
Head-to-Head History and Trends
Recent matchups indicate that Ottawa has had success against Nashville this season, aiming for a season sweep after winning previous encounters. Key players such as Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle for Ottawa will be pivotal in exploiting Nashville’s defensive weaknesses.
Advanced Metrics and Puck Possession
In terms of puck possession metrics like Corsi and Fenwick, both teams show varying degrees of effectiveness:
| Metric | Ottawa Senators | Nashville Predators |
|---|---|---|
| Corsi For % | Higher | Lower |
| Fenwick For % | Higher | Lower |
| Face-off Win % | Higher | Lower |
These metrics suggest Ottawa has been more dominant in puck possession and overall shot attempts.
Betting Trends and Predictions
As of now, the betting odds favor the Predators slightly:
- Moneyline: Predators (-119), Senators (+100)
- Puck Line: Set at -1.5 for the Predators
- Total Points Over/Under: Set at 5.5
Prediction Summary
Based on current form and statistical analysis:
- Predicted Final Score: Ottawa Senators 4 – Nashville Predators 3
- Confidence Level in Prediction: Medium to High
- Recommended Bet Type: Moneyline on Ottawa Senators (+100) or Puck Line (+1.5)
Key Matchups to Watch
Watch for how Ottawa’s top line matches up against Nashville’s defense. The performance of Leevi Merilainen will also be critical; if he maintains his form, he could be a game-changer.In conclusion, while both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, the Ottawa Senators enter this matchup with a more favorable outlook based on their current performance metrics and recent trends.
