{"id":24024,"date":"2025-02-03T11:03:14","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T11:03:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/?p=24024"},"modified":"2025-02-04T11:42:15","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T11:42:15","slug":"can-the-predators-defend-home-ice-against-a-surging-ottawa-squad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/can-the-predators-defend-home-ice-against-a-surging-ottawa-squad\/","title":{"rendered":"Can the Predators Defend Home Ice Against a Surging Ottawa Squad?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Current Standings and Records<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"marker:text-textOff list-disc pl-8\">\n<li><strong>Ottawa Senators<\/strong>: 28 wins, 20 losses, 4 overtime losses (3rd in Atlantic Division)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nashville Predators<\/strong>: 18 wins, 26 losses, 7 overtime losses (7th in Central Division)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Senators have demonstrated a more consistent performance, while the Predators have struggled significantly throughout the season.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Offensive and Defensive Performance<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Ottawa Senators<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"marker:text-textOff list-disc pl-8\">\n<li><strong>Goals per Game<\/strong>: 2.83 (21st in NHL)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Total Goals Scored<\/strong>: 147<\/li>\n<li><strong>Goals Against per Game<\/strong>: 2.67 (6th in NHL)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Total Goals Conceded<\/strong>: 139<\/li>\n<li><strong>Power Play Percentage<\/strong>: 22.7% (37 out of 163)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Penalty Kill Percentage<\/strong>: 82.2% (defended against 147 power plays)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Nashville Predators<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"marker:text-textOff list-disc pl-8\">\n<li><strong>Goals per Game<\/strong>: 2.61 (29th in NHL)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Total Goals Scored<\/strong>: 133<\/li>\n<li><strong>Goals Against per Game<\/strong>: 3.22 (24th in NHL)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Total Goals Conceded<\/strong>: 164<\/li>\n<li><strong>Power Play Percentage<\/strong>: 21.68% (31 out of 143)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Penalty Kill Percentage<\/strong>: 81.63%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Senators are not only scoring more but also allowing fewer goals compared to the Predators, showcasing a stronger defensive unit.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Goaltending Matchup<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Ottawa Senators<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"marker:text-textOff list-disc pl-8\">\n<li><strong>Leevi Merilainen<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"marker:text-textOff list-disc\">\n<li>Save Percentage: .925<\/li>\n<li>Goals Against Average (GAA): 1.99<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Nashville Predators<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"marker:text-textOff list-disc pl-8\">\n<li><strong>Juuse Saros<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"marker:text-textOff list-disc\">\n<li>Save Percentage: .901<\/li>\n<li>GAA: 2.84<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Merilainen&#8217;s impressive stats highlight his effectiveness this season, giving the Senators an advantage in goal.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Injury Report<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Ottawa Senators<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"marker:text-textOff list-disc pl-8\">\n<li>Nick Cousins &#8211; Out (Knee)<\/li>\n<li>Nick Jensen &#8211; Out (Undisclosed)<\/li>\n<li>Josh Norris &#8211; Day-to-Day<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Nashville Predators<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"marker:text-textOff list-disc pl-8\">\n<li>Mark Jankowski &#8211; Out (Upper Body)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Both teams are dealing with injuries, but the Senators&#8217; key players are mostly available, while the Predators have multiple absences that could impact their performance.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Home\/Away Performance Analysis<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"marker:text-textOff list-disc pl-8\">\n<li><strong>Senators Away Record<\/strong>: 12 wins, 13 losses, 2 overtime losses<\/li>\n<li><strong>Predators Home Record<\/strong>: 12 wins, 9 losses, 3 overtime losses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While both teams have had mixed results at home and away, the Senators have shown resilience on the road.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Special Teams Effectiveness<\/h2>\n<p>The Senators&#8217; 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.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Head-to-Head History and Trends<\/h2>\n<p>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&#8217;s defensive weaknesses.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Advanced Metrics and Puck Possession<\/h2>\n<p>In terms of puck possession metrics like Corsi and Fenwick, both teams show varying degrees of effectiveness:<\/p>\n<div class=\"w-full overflow-x-auto md:max-w-[90vw] border-borderMain\/50 ring-borderMain\/50 divide-borderMain\/50 dark:divide-borderMainDark\/50 dark:ring-borderMainDark\/50 dark:border-borderMainDark\/50 bg-transparent\">\n<table class=\"border-borderMain dark:border-borderMainDark my-[1em] w-full table-auto border\">\n<thead class=\"bg-offset dark:bg-offsetDark\">\n<tr>\n<th class=\"px-sm py-sm break-normal align-top\">Metric<\/th>\n<th class=\"px-sm py-sm break-normal align-top\">Ottawa Senators<\/th>\n<th class=\"px-sm py-sm break-normal align-top\">Nashville Predators<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-borderMain px-sm dark:border-borderMainDark min-w-[48px] break-normal border\">Corsi For %<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-borderMain px-sm dark:border-borderMainDark min-w-[48px] break-normal border\">Higher<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-borderMain px-sm dark:border-borderMainDark min-w-[48px] break-normal border\">Lower<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-borderMain px-sm dark:border-borderMainDark min-w-[48px] break-normal border\">Fenwick For %<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-borderMain px-sm dark:border-borderMainDark min-w-[48px] break-normal border\">Higher<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-borderMain px-sm dark:border-borderMainDark min-w-[48px] break-normal border\">Lower<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"border-borderMain px-sm dark:border-borderMainDark min-w-[48px] break-normal border\">Face-off Win %<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-borderMain px-sm dark:border-borderMainDark min-w-[48px] break-normal border\">Higher<\/td>\n<td class=\"border-borderMain px-sm dark:border-borderMainDark min-w-[48px] break-normal border\">Lower<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"py-xs -mt-[0.5em] flex justify-end\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center min-w-0 justify-center gap-sm\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>These metrics suggest Ottawa has been more dominant in puck possession and overall shot attempts.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Betting Trends and Predictions<\/h2>\n<p>As of now, the betting odds favor the Predators slightly:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"marker:text-textOff list-disc pl-8\">\n<li><strong>Moneyline<\/strong>: Predators (-119), Senators (+100)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Puck Line<\/strong>: Set at -1.5 for the Predators<\/li>\n<li><strong>Total Points Over\/Under<\/strong>: Set at 5.5<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Prediction Summary<\/h2>\n<p>Based on current form and statistical analysis:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"marker:text-textOff list-disc pl-8\">\n<li><strong>Predicted Final Score<\/strong>: Ottawa Senators 4 \u2013 Nashville Predators 3<\/li>\n<li><strong>Confidence Level in Prediction<\/strong>: Medium to High<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recommended Bet Type<\/strong>: Moneyline on Ottawa Senators (+100) or Puck Line (+1.5)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Key Matchups to Watch<\/h2>\n<p>Watch for how Ottawa&#8217;s top line matches up against Nashville&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #339966;\">PICK: Ottawa Senators PUCK LINE +1.5 (WIN)<\/span><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":24025,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[125],"tags":[241,466,465,731,742,750,464,730,131],"class_list":["post-24024","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl","tag-nhl","tag-nhl-analytical-insights","tag-nhl-game-insights","tag-nhl-games-today-predictions","tag-nhl-hockey","tag-nhl-pediction","tag-nhl-prediction-tips","tag-nhl-predictions-today","tag-nhl-sports-picks-using-ai","two-columns"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/NHL-Ottawa-Senators-vs.-Nashville-Predators.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24024","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24024"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24024\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24052,"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24024\/revisions\/24052"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24025"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24024"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24024"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/atswins.ai\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24024"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}