{"id":486942,"date":"2026-04-04T08:00:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T12:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=486942"},"modified":"2026-04-28T09:21:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T13:21:56","slug":"nhl-predictions-ottawa-senators-minnesota-wild-april-4th","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/04\/04\/nhl-predictions-ottawa-senators-minnesota-wild-april-4th\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Ottawa Senators vs Minnesota Wild, April 4th"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the Minnesota Wild<\/a> visit the Ottawa Senators<\/a>, this is in the midst of one of the Sens toughest stretches of the season, but it is their longest homestand (five games). Welcome back to NHL Predictions as we break down key storylines, statistics, and analysis to try to decipher how this one will play out. Will Ottawa be able to continue its push towards the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at home, or will the Wild play spoiler from their perch, already comfortably in the Central Division top three for some time? Ottawa’s injury-hit roster makes this one of the trickier games to call, with the Senators’ playoff push drawing plenty of attention in the <\/span>NHL betting markets<\/a> heading into the final stretch of the regular season.<\/span><\/p>\n

NHL Predictions with Senators and Wild<\/h2>\n

Season Series: <\/strong>Wild 1 – 0<\/p>\n

Puck Drop:<\/strong> 1<\/span>:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n

How to Watch<\/a>: <\/span>TVAS, TSN5, FDSNNO, FDSNWIX<\/span><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong> The cozy confines of the Canadian Tire Centre, live from the capital region of Canada in Kanata, Ontario.<\/p>\n

We do like the perspective of one Rick Bowness<\/a>. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are already here for so many teams. Interestingly enough, that is relevant to this game, as both teams think about that comment in a totally different light. Minnesota is pretty set in their opening round playoff matchup. However, Ottawa is full entrenched in their playoff run. If they can make it in, games like this will be to thanks.<\/p>\n

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Credit Image: \u00a9 Alex Cave\/ZUMA Press Wire<\/span><\/p>\n

The Sens and Wild Have an Unlikely Rivalry<\/h3>\n

The first game of this matchup in 2025-26 was the epitome of the Sens season, if it ends with them not making the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Moreover, there are a couple other examples. There was a Steven Stamkos<\/a> hat trick that completed the 3-0 comeback by the Nashville Predators<\/a>. There was also the incident where Anders Lee<\/a> pick-pocketed Jordan Spence<\/a> early in the season, for a late New York Islander<\/a> win.<\/p>\n

Of course, when Joel Eriksson Ek<\/a> scored late in their only other meeting this season, that game was a dagger. It also added to the pressure that had been placed on young back up Leevi Merilainen<\/a>. A season that Merilainen will need to bounce from the next time he gets a shot in the NHL. It remains unclear if general manager Steve Staios<\/a> explores other options as his backup in 2026-27. It is possible he runs it back, in hopes that the year of added professional experience for Merilainen pays off in spades. To be determined.<\/p>\n

Adding more intrigue to this matchup, is that Ryan Hartman<\/a> has been hot lately. We think there will be fights if this game gets out of hand. However, the Senators need discipline and the two points, and unfortunately, are depleted by injuries<\/a>. As a note, Ridly Greig<\/a> and Hartman squared off for a classic tilt at the second intermission of the clubs’ first meeting this year.<\/p>\n

Ottawa’s Injury Woes<\/h3>\n

Tyler Kleven<\/a> is one of their toughest players, and we don’t expect him back for a little bit. He took at puck to the face against the Buffalo Sabres, and didn’t return. At the very least, it doesn’t sound like he will be back this weekend.<\/p>\n

Jake Sanderson<\/a>‘s return is imminent, but not confirmed. Moreover, the Sens have already used 12 different defencemen since the Olympic break, and we wonder if that will grow. From their opening night lineup, only Artem Zub<\/a> finished Thursday’s game.<\/p>\n

The other problem was that Carter Yakemchuk<\/a> was put on concussion protocol. He will also miss some time. Therefore, even if Cameron Crotty<\/a> makes just his second NHL appearance in 2025-26, there is no guarantee there won’t be a new name in that sixth spot. Dennis Gilbert<\/a>, Thomas Chabot<\/a>, and Nick Jensen<\/a> are all known to be out with extended timetables.<\/p>\n

As expected, the Sens called up Jorian Donovan to suit up on the blueline.<\/p>\n

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ROSTER UPDATE: Jorian Donovan has been recalled from the @BellevilleSens<\/a>.https:\/\/t.co\/4x8KRoCOSg<\/a><\/p>\n

— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) April 4, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n