Welcome to Battle of Ontario edition of NHL Predictions here from us folks at Last Word on Hockey. Today we feature the Ottawa Senators as they travel to play the Toronto Maple Leafs from Scotiabank Arena in this, the first of three regular season games between the heated geographic rivals throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
NHL Predictions
Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs, from Scotiabank Arena
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: TSN4, TSN5, RDS, ESPN+
2023-24 Regular Season Record Ottawa vs Toronto was (3-1) in favour of Ottawa.
Both teams always get fired up for this matchup. If we journey all the way back to the early 2000s, when the Leafs knocked out the Sens over a span of four of five years in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, this has always been an intense rivalry. Of course, the Sens would get their revenge over the next few seasons, but the fact remains, these teams don’t like each other. Most hockey fans of the two teams would love the prospect of a fiery Battle of Ontario in the playoffs once it does happen again. That said, how does this game boil down in terms of matchups. Also, what, if any impact does it have on each teams’ journey as they battle throughout the regular season for a playoff spot.
The Ottawa Senators Look to Follow Up Big Saturday Night Victory
For the Ottawa Senators, they want to follow up an exciting overtime victory in Beantown, on Saturday night. Furthermore, they have a few positives going in their direction. The first is that Shane Pinto reenters the lineup card. Pinto is the Sens best two-way forward, they are instantly better with him in the lineup. If we look back to 2023-24, if Pinto registered a point, the Sens were an incredible 11-5-1. For a team that finished four games below .500, that is quite significant.
We have more findings if we go off yesterday’s practice lines. Both David Perron and Zack Ostapchuk played on the extra forward line. This is strange to find Ostapchuk on the extras list. If he is on the club, it kind of implies he plays. Otherwise, the Sens management would be saving money by having him on the Belleville Senators roster. It’s become a bit of a running joke, that Ostapchuk Can’t Stop Coming Back for More. However, it is possible that he is staying around due to a player’s uncertain availability, which kind of points to Perron. If Ostapchuk is with the club, it is more likely he plays, and a player like Zack MacEwen for example, sit this one out.
On top of that, it seems that Linus Ullmark gets the start tonight. He’s the Sens best goalie, and the Leafs are a very deep team. It seems the appropriate matchup. In addition, Ullmark is still looking to get on track in 2024-25. He did get the victory against Boston, but only faced 16 shots. That marked the third game in a row where his save percentage was below .900. Maybe he will pick up his play against a tough opponent like Toronto. As a note from all our NHL Predictions, please check for the latest lineup news before locking in your fantasy rosters.
The Leafs Have Been Hot
On to the Maple Leafs, and they are also dealing with some important injuries. Max Pacioretty and Calle Jarnkrok include those ruled out by head coach Craig Berube yesterday. Also, their captain, Auston Matthews, is available after being placed on injured reserve a week ago. However, he isn’t expected to play as of yesterday.
With these injuries, players have stepped up, and most notably their star players. Two of the Leafs having big stretches includes John Tavares and William Nylander. Tavares enters second on the team in goals with eight. Also, he has three in his last two games for the Leafs. Meanwhile, Nylander is up to 18 points on the year. His 11 goals has him tied for second in the league.
The Leafs come in riding a three-game winning streak. It seems their players have picked it up in their captain’s absence. The intensity of tonight’s game will be a good test for the group. It is expected that Anthony Stolarz gets the call, as the Leafs need to throw out their best available lineup where possible.
NHL Predictions: Leafs and Senators
If we consider Pinto being back and Matthews still out, this is a big advantage for Ottawa. Moreover, Ottawa did well against Toronto back to last year. This one will be a close game, but look for the Leafs to prevail.
Prediction: Toronto win in regulation, 4-3.
According to Fanduel, if we want to look at adding some friendly wagers on the outcomes, check these out. For a couple anytime scorers, Bobby McMann is a strong candidate given the injuries, he pays +360. Ottawa’s Ridly Greig has been playing well lately, at +440 he’s a good choice too.
Main Photo: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
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