Welcome back to another edition NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games, breaking down the key matchups and providing relevant analysis to how they might play out. Today we take a look Ottawa Senators fresh off their 4-0 shutout road victory versus Utah Hockey Club, as they continue their road trip against the Vegas Golden Knights on the 2024 Nevada Day clash. Be sure to note the early start time for this one. Lastly, we will just add to be sure to check out more NHL predictions as the 2024-25 season wears on.
NHL Predictions
Ottawa Senators at Vegas Golden Knights, from T-Mobile Arena
Time: 6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN5, RDS1, ESPN+
2023-24 Regular Season Series was a Vegas regulation win and a Sens shootout victory.
The Drum Marches On for the Ottawa Senators
Yes, the Sens won their last game, but they can’t take nights off. The Senators need to keep focused and battle for the two points, even if it is October. The Senators have been subjected to their share of injuries. However, perhaps it is to do with the added accountability experienced around the organization, but it doesn’t feel like it. For example, both goaltenders, Linus Ullmark and Anton Forsberg have missed time with injury, and in Ullmark’s case, significant time. Also, Artem Zub, Ridly Greig, and now Shane Pinto is a game-time decision for tomorrow night’s game, have all experienced injuries at some level. That’s one reason the predictions can be so difficult, is the unknown of the matchup game.
The Sens will manage a strong effort in Vegas. When your best players are as good as the Senators are, you’re going to be successful more often than not. It tends to keep the Senators in games versus the league’s top competition. And hey, here’s a Western road trip game in October, nothing particularly easy about the scenario.
Through six games in the schedule, the Senators top-six scorers are as shown.
| Name | G | A | Pts |
| Brady Tkachuk | 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Tim Stutzle | 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Drake Batherson | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| Jake Sanderson | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Joshua Norris | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Claude Giroux | 2 | 3 | 5 |
If these guys are padding the stats later today, look for Ottawa to be successful. The starting goaltender for Ottawa, as of this morning, remains somewhat a mystery. From Thursday’s practice, with Leevi Merilainen still with the club, created the thought that Ullmark isn’t ready. However, as head coach Travis Green mentioned in his post-practice media availability about it being nice that Ullmark stayed for the whole practice. Moreover, check for the latest lineup news and notes before locking in your fantasy goalies.
ROSTER UPDATE: The #Sens have reassigned Leevi Merilainen to the @BellevilleSens and have recalled Cole Reinhardt.
Les #Sens ont cédé Leevi Merilainen aux @BellevilleSens et ils ont rappelé Cole Reinhardt.
— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) October 25, 2024
The latest right from the Sens own media account, is that Ullmark will be at least backing up. Merilainen has been reassigned to Belleville, so that implies Ullmark is ready to go. It’s not yet confirmed he will start, but the fact he’s suiting up and hasn’t played for a couple games, and practiced yesterday to prepare, all points to him possibly getting the call.
Vegas Is Always a Little Lucky
The Vegas Golden Knights are loaded with superstars. Their defence includes Noah Hanifin, Alex Pietrangelo, and freshly off his $52 million contract, Shea Theodore. This is a team very deep and poised for a playoff run.
Some of their players have additional motivations. Along with Theodore, Mark Stone have ambitions of making the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off Team Canada roster. Stone has 12 points on the season already, Theodore has seven. Also, another Golden Knight superstar and lock for Team USA, Jack Eichel, has 11 points on the season. Adin Hill, another Team Canada hopeful, is expected to get the call in net.
NHL Predictions: Vegas and Senators
This will definitely be a difficult task for the Sens on the road in the desert. Look for this edition of the Sens to play with a chip on their shoulder fueled by the uncertainty in goal and knowing the importance of a strong tender.
Prediction: Senators win in regulation, 4-3.
One player for the Senators that will be fired up, will be Michael Amadio. Playing in first game against the Golden Knights in a while, look for him to bring it. He played the last three seasons with Vegas, being a key depth contributor with ten points during their Stanley Cup winning run in 2023. According to Fanduel, Adamio is a +480 anytime scorer. Take the over on 6.5, paying +102. For a Golden Knight, take Pavel Dorofeyev at +290.
Main Photo: Rob Gray – USA TODAY Sports
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