NHL Predictions Senators Edition New Jersey Devils at Ottawa on Oct 17

Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for the hottest action on the NHL docket for any given night. Our staff will critically analyze, break down head-to-head matchups, and explore other factors that will determine the outcomes of the night’s games. For the Sens, this game follows up their game that would be categorized as pretty forgettable for goalies, an 8-7 overtime victory. Today the Ottawa Senators do battle against the visiting New Jersey Devils. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions as the 2024-25 season wears on.

NHL Predictions

New Jersey Devils at Ottawa Senators, from the Canadian Tire Centre

Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TSN5, RDS2, ESPN+
2023-24 Regular Season Series: Ottawa lost (1-2-0)

Ottawa Senators Injuries News and Notes

Before we dive right into predictions, we do need to discuss the Ottawa Senators lineup and injuries. Artem Zub was hit pretty hard in Monday’s game, and will be out approximately a week with what is reportedly a concussion. Next up was the injury to Ridly Greig. Greig left the game early, and will be out for two weeks it seems. Hence, the callup of Adam Gaudette. Furthermore, between Gaudette and Mads Sogaard, they combined for up to six roster reassignments these past few days. Not quite Raphael Lavoie-esque, who was finally claimed by the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL, but impressive nonetheless.

The last note is on goaltender Linus Ullmark. Ullmark had required Sogaard to be called up on an emergency basis for Monday’s game. The general conclusion seems to be that he likes maintenance days, and he will be ready to go today. However, expect Anton Forsberg to draw in, another Senator needing to have an injury update provided on. After a collision on the third King goal on Monday, he was pulled in favour of Sogaard. In contrast, it is highly probably Forsberg gets the start, which will be his second consecutive. As a reminder, check the latest anticipated starters before locking in your fantasy rosters. Now, that we have that out of way, let’s get down to business.

The Senators Should Be Energized at Home for this Version of NHL Predictions

Along with the aforementioned Gaudette, it seems Jacob Bernard-Docker draws in to replace Zub. This likely brings the third defence pairing of Tyler Kleven and Bernard-Docker, reuniting the University of North Dakota alum. It will be Bernard-Docker’s first game of the season. The idea with this duo, is that the two players’ styles would complement one anothers quite well. Furthermore, this bumps Travis Hamonic up the lineup, likely with his partner from previous seasons, Jake Sanderson. In any case, the defence pairings are definitely a source of uncertainty. If the Devils establish good offensive possession and cycles, and maintain it through multiple lines, the Sens maybe susceptible to being caught out of position eventually.

On the other hand, coming off an eight-goal explosion, the forwards are feeling it. Tim Stutzle is leading the charge with six points (three goals and three assists). Furthermore, Joshua Norris had two goals and one assist, including the overtime winner on Monday. He will be looking to keep it rolling.

The Devils Look to Put 23-24 Far in the Rearview

When you begin to analyze the New Jersey Devils, you think about what version of the team you will get. Will it be the 2022-23, 112-point team or the seventh-place team in the Metropolitan Division from last year? The consensus is that last year’s team was the anomaly. Furthermore, they did make important steps to ensure that is the way it is. The biggest off-season move that is an example of that is the addition of number-one goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Moreover, his backup, Jake Allen has also been extremely tight in his two games to this point. However, it does look like head coach Sheldon Keefe will go with Markstrom today against the Sens.

On the other side of the puck, having defenceman Dougie Hamilton back healthy this year is a big difference-maker. Also, from the backend, a couple of pleasant surprises, Seamus Casey and Johnathan Kovacevic, each have four points already through six games. Furthermore, when you look at the forward group, they have five forwards with five or more points. The attack is led by Jack Hughes, but it appears the supporting cast is what helps to make New Jersey so dangerous.

NHL Predictions: The Devils and Senators

With these two high-flying offences converging, it seems like this will be a high scoring game. In fact, given them going with their backup and the unknown with the defence, it would seem Ottawa would favour it that way. The advantage for them is having last change to help implement that strategy. In the end, look for Ottawa to keep the good times rolling and come out on top.

Prediction: Senators win in regulation, 4-3.

As for some prop bets, you need to take the over, according to Fanduel, over 6.5 is at -105. For a couple of anytime scorers, for Ottawa, Drake Batherson, at +250 and for New Jersey, Dawson Mercer, at +360.

Main Photo: Marc DesRosiers – USA TODAY Sports

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