As the 4 Nations Face-Off break approaches, the Ottawa Senators are navigating through adversity, holding a coveted playoff position despite recent injury setbacks. This places them in a favourable yet precarious spot in the Eastern Conference’s intense competition. Their upcoming challenge is a pivotal match against the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are hot on their heels, trailing by just two points in the Atlantic Division standings. This Thursday night game marks the conclusion of their two-game series in Tampa, providing the Senators with a chance to widen the gap.
Match Info
- NHL
- Thursday 6th February 2025 19:00 EST / 00:00 GMT
- Amalie Arena
Ottawa Senators
The Senators have shown resilience and form, boasting a record of 10 wins, 3 losses, and 1 overtime loss in their last 14 outings. Key to their success has been defenseman Thomas Chabot, who has been instrumental both defensively and offensively, contributing significantly with one goal and five assists in his last six appearances. His teammate, forward Claude Giroux, praises Chabot’s consistent performance and impact over the years. However, the team’s momentum is threatened by injuries, with Josh Norris recently sidelined for a few weeks and Shane Pinto leaving the previous game early, adding to the challenges they face as they prepare for another road game in Tampa, something they’ve not done in a regular season outside of pandemic protocols.
Tampa Bay Lightning
On the other side, the Lightning are aiming to build on their recent victory over the Senators, where they snapped a five-game losing streak with a 4-3 win. Key moments included Brandon Hagel breaking a tie early in the third period and Ryan McDonagh sealing the win with a late empty-net goal. However, like their opponents, the Lightning are also grappling with injury issues; Nick Paul exited the last game within the first few minutes. Despite these challenges, Tampa Bay is determined to climb further up the leaderboard, with the recent demotion of young forward Conor Geekie to AHL Syracuse as part of a strategic long-term development plan, according to coach Jon Cooper. This game is crucial for Tampa Bay to maintain momentum and possibly secure back-to-back wins for the first time since mid-January.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Ottawa Senators to Win
Despite their recent injury woes, the Ottawa Senators have demonstrated a robust form that suggests they have the resilience and depth to overcome adversity. With Thomas Chabot leading from the back and contributing significantly in both defensive and offensive plays, the Senators are well-positioned to exploit any gaps in the Tampa Bay Lightning’s setup, especially with the Lightning also facing injury challenges. Additionally, Ottawa’s strong performance record of 10-3-1 in their last 14 games provides a psychological edge. Considering these factors, the Senators are likely to leverage their current momentum and strategic gameplay to clinch a victory in this crucial matchup, creating a wider buffer in their division standings.
America Bet Score Prediction
Ottawa Senators 3 – 2 Tampa Bay Lightning
This scoreline prediction considers both teams’ recent performances and the impact of their respective injury situations. The Ottawa Senators have been scoring consistently, and with key players like Thomas Chabot in good form, they are likely to continue finding the back of the net. The Tampa Bay Lightning, while resilient, might find themselves slightly disadvantaged at home due to their recent inconsistent streak and the adjustment to lineup changes following injuries. Expect a closely contested match, with Ottawa managing to edge out Tampa Bay by a narrow margin, reflecting their determination to solidify their playoff spot.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Ottawa Senators to win.
- Total goals over 4.5.
- Thomas Chabot to record at least one point.
- Both teams to score.
- Ottawa Senators to lead after the first period.
- Final scoreline: Ottawa Senators 3 – 2 Tampa Bay Lightning.
- Brandon Hagel to score at any time.
- More than 1.5 goals in the third period.
- First goal scored by Ottawa Senators.
- Total penalties over 6.5 in the game.
