Detroit Red Wings vs. Ottawa Senators Prediction, NHL Odds
On a loaded 12-game slate in the NHL, this Red Wings vs. Senators matchup has a ton of intrigue. Detroit is clinging to a division top-three spot by a thread in pursuit of their first postseason berth in nearly a decade.
Ottawa snapped their playoff drought last year, but their chances of returning are beginning to look bleak. The Senators are six points behind a playoff spot with three teams to jump, and at least three more to fend off. These are two important points and both teams should bring intensity.
Red Wings vs. Senators NHL Betting Odds
Despite being nine points back of Detroit, Ottawa is the moneyline and puckline favourite with odds of -145 and +165, respectively. Detroit’s moneyline is +120, which could be decent value considering they have won the prior two head-to-head matchups this season. The game total over 6.0 is -120 and the under is +100 on the NHL odds.
The Olympic break came at a good time for the Red Wings, as they had dropped four of their last five prior to the pause. It’s a different story for the Senators, as they had strong momentum that was halted. Ottawa has won five of their last six games and four of their last six at home.
Detroit Red Wings
Although the Red Wings have one win in their last five games, they have points in two out of their last four games and are 5-3-2 in their last 10. During that 10-game stretch, Detroit is 3-1-1 on the road and 4-1 against the spread on the road.
The Red Wings have their work cut out for them to finish strong and crack the postseason. The Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference are just loaded. But they are as well-positioned as most other teams in the East. Detroit is a good team, they are healthy, and are returning a lineup on Thursday that includes Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Larkin, and Moritz Seider.
Ottawa Senators
The Senators are above .500, but it has not been without adversity. Ottawa has endured injuries to key players and, in general, have struggled with consistency since the first drop of the puck this season. Similar to Detroit, this team is largely healthy and has the talent to disrupt the playoff picture.
Ottawa has two players averaging over a point per game, they have nine players with double-digit goals, and four players with 40+ points. Ottawa did not have much turnover in the offseason, so for the most part, this roster is just about the same that made a playoff run last year. If they are going to do so again, they need to go on a run starting Thursday.
NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Red Wings vs. Senators?
In a high-stakes game between a couple of good teams with a thin margin of error, the Red Wings appear to be the more reliable play. Among a few, a primary reason the Senators have an uphill battle to make the playoffs with just 24 games remaining is that they have not been consistent this season. Consistency is something that has found their opponent, though.
The Eastern Conference has gone through the Lightning and Hurricanes this year. But right behind them has been the Red Wings. Detroit has been better than Ottawa this year, they have been better head-to-head, and they are fresh and healthy from a three-week break. Look for a narrow 3-2 Red Wings win.
DET
OTT