Welcome back to our regularly scheduled programming as the NHL gets back underway after a 13-day break. The 2025 4 Nations Face-Off tournament sure provided the fire to warm our winter hockey homes, but it is time to get back to regular action. This matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators will put invaluable points on the line as the season wears on. Both teams have 26 games remaining on their respective 2024-25 schedules. Just who will prevail, and who will let the rust show?
NHL Predictions Montreal Canadiens at Ottawa Senators from the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario
Start Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV Coverage: Citytv, Sportsnet East, TVA Sports, ESPN+
The two teams have met only once thus far in 2024-25. Team Canada goaltender Sam Montembeault stopped 24 of 25 shots in the 4-1 victory back in October. This time around Ottawa is looking to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference playoff picture and Montreal is trying to decide to be buyers, sellers, or standpat.
What is All the News in Senators Land?
The Ottawa Senators had four players suit up in the 4 Nations championships. Goalie Linus Ullmark, Nikolas Matinpalo, and the two key Americans, Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson. Each of them had their own story as we shall explain in this edition of NHL Predictions.
Ullmark played two periods in the game against Finland, even though his health was somewhat of a question. He did seem to silence the critics, not that it helped Team Sweden. Sens fans just hope that he is back and ready to go.
For defenceman Nikolas Matinpalo his callup from Belleville earlier this season, along with his play alongside Tyler Kleven on the Sens third pairing, and now add his time with Finland, has really put him on the hockey map. At 6’3″, he brings a physical brand of hockey, one that suits the Sens lineup perfectly, to add a little depth in that aspect.
Finally, the two Americans played huge for Team USA. The duo were the only two American goal scorers in the final game. Brady had a two-goal game against the Finns, and fought Sam Bennett in the first USA-Canada matchup. Furthermore, Brady was hitting everything in sight throughout the tournament. Even if the rest of the lineup shows some rust, the four participants in the tournament should be revitalized.
In other notes, Joshua Norris and Shane Pinto will remain out for the Sens, even after the extended break. However, both are expected to be nearing a return. Another player who is close is defender Jacob Bernard-Docker. He suffered an injury about six weeks ago, which is around his recovery timeline. Once he does return to the lineup, it might cause a logjam on the right side, especially for a guy like Matinpalo. It will be interesting to see how general manager Steve Staios ultimately juggles it and thinks about moves at the trade deadline. In any case, the Sens are focusing on beating the Habs, something they would love to do to get back in the playoff race mentality.
Any Big News for Montreal in these NHL Predictions?
Patrik Laine Honeymoon Phase is Over for the Montreal Canadiens
Patrik Laine began playing on December 3rd. Montreal began a 16-6-1 stretch after the time point. However, since then their fortunes turned, and the break couldn’t come fast enough. Leading into the break they were an abysmal 1-7-1, with five of those losses coming on home ice. They need to decide quickly if this season is worth saving, or to start preparing for the draft.
It seems like the talent is there for Montreal. Nick Suzuki leads the team with 52 points, Lane Hutson is among the league leaders in puck possession, and Laine is up to 12 goals in just 28 games played, 10 of those coming via the man advantage. It will be interesting if the bright stars on Montreal can right the ship, or if the team just isn’t ready to put it all together. Just as it is for Ottawa, this is a big game to set the tone for the remainder of the 2024-25 regular season.
One important injury note for Montreal is Kaiden Guhle. He is out indefinitely after surgery on a leg injury. The defensive unit will have to get it done without him for the foreseeable future.
As for Canadiens who played in the tournament, there were a couple. We already mentioned Montembeault, despite him not getting any action. Also, a pair of Finns laced them up, along with Laine was Joel Armia. Both players no doubt enjoyed the experience, even though the tournament didn’t quite go how Finland would have hoped.
NHL Predictions: Canadiens and Senators
With the Sens at home, their star goalie back, and them needing a victory for the playoff push, we like them in this one. Of course, Montreal with their power play weapons like Hutson or Laine always pose a threat and seem to get up for these big rivalry-type matches. It will be close, but anticipate the Senators to pull it off.
Prediction: Ottawa wins in regulation, 4-2.
For those interested in a same-game parlay, check this out. For Montreal, Alex Newhook was their hottest player before the break. He hopes to continue on, right where he left off. For the Sens, Tkachuk was so hot in tournament, he is a safe bet as well. If we take both those players as anytime scorers and Ottawa to cover the -1.5 spread, the payout is nearly +3500, book it.
Main Photo: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
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