Ottawa Senators vs. Detroit Red Wings: NHL Odds, Prediction

The Senators have lost each of their last four games in Michigan, including a 2-1 overtime decision in their previous visit Jan. 2. Ottawa comes into this one having just ended a six-game losing skid, while Detroit is coming off impressive victories over the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres.

Senators vs Red Wings Betting Analysis

The Red Wings haven’t been in this position often; they’ve been a favourite just twice since the beginning of February, and have been the underdog in 17 consecutive games coming into Saturday’s encounter. But in addition to the Red Wings dominating the recent head-to-head series in their own arena, Detroit has also prevailed in eight of the previous 11 meetings overall. And Ottawa is reeling with six losses in its last eight games played on one day of rest.

From a totals perspective, both teams boast divergent trends. Ottawa has gone above the number in five of six games against divisional foes but is just 7-18 O/U in its last 25 games against teams with losing records. The Red Wings are riding a four-game over streak but have gone below the number in nine of their previous 10 NHL matchups following a win. The teams have combined to go under in each of their last four meetings.

Ottawa Senators

The Senators have had one of the worst special-teams units in the NHL – well, two, if you count the power play and penalty kill separately – and the numbers have been just as bad in March as they’ve been all season. Ottawa is converting at an 18.9-percent clip with the man advantage heading into the final day of the month, putting it at 17 percent for the season. And the Senators are at 74.3 percent on the penalty kill in March, slipping to 75 percent on the campaign.

Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings would love to be as proficient on the power play this month as the Senators have been. Detroit has made good on just four of 39 opportunities with the man advantage, good for a 10.3-percent success rate that ranks 29th out of 31 teams. That puts the Red Wings even with the Senators at 17 percent for the season, though they’ve been slightly better on the penalty kill, posting a 78-percent success rate.

Senators vs. Red Wings Prediction