Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Buffalo Sabres taking on the Ottawa Senators. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions Buffalo Sabres vs Ottawa Senators
2025-26 Head-to-Head: Sabres 1-0 Senators
How to Watch Must Watched TV: MSG-B, ESPN+, RDS2, TSN5
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Location: The Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, Ontario
We’ll start this conversation with acknowledging how well both of these teams are playing as of late. The Senators are currently on a four-game win streak, most recently beating the Boston Bruins 6-2. The Sabres, on a six-game win streak, just being the New Jersey Devils in Jack Hughes‘ return to the lineup. Both of these teams are desperate to start climbing up the Atlantic Division standings. The Senators currently sit down in sixth place with 40 points. And the Sabres currently sit in seventh place with 38 points. A win for both of these teams would see them inch their way to a playoff spot. Now, before we get into it, we will take this chance to add our disclaimer. Please check social media for the very latest lineup news before locking in your daily fantasy rosters.
Sabres Front Office Overhaul
The Sabres recently parted ways with their general manager Kevyn Adams. Jarmo Kekalainen is the new GM in Western New York, and brings a wealth of experience along the way. The roster has responded to it in a big way, winning three games since the change. There are more changes seemingly on the way, with the Sabres parting ways with former assistants and other front office members as well. Kekalainen is building a legitimate front office in Buffalo. A sight for sore eyes in from Sabres players and fans alike. The team is clearly playing with some extra enthusiasm, beating two three stellar teams in a row. Defeating the Flyers at home, the Islanders at home, and then the next day beating the Devils in New Jersey.
“That’s all I can ask for as a general manager.”
More from Jarmo Kekäläinen’s press conference → https://t.co/hJItQGa1IS pic.twitter.com/HMz1hasVBh
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) December 16, 2025
Sabres – Senators Trade
Last season ahead of the trade deadline, the Sabres and the Senators completed a relatively high impact trade. The Sabres sent Dylan Cozens, Dennis Gilbert, and a second round pick to the Senators for Joshua Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker. The Sabres didn’t extend Bernard-Docker, and the Senators didn’t extend Gilbert. So it essentially boiled down Cozens and a second-round pick for Norris. This will be the first time those two guys showdown against each other, due to injuries to Norris.
Cozens is the third highest scorer on the Senators, with 11 goals and 27 points. Norris was injured in the first game of the season, and since returning to the lineup earlier this month, is a superstar. Norris has scored four goals and 10 total points in just nine games played this season. Both of these men are having successful seasons with their new teams. Both teams are really going to want to show up for the players their teams traded for, so there should be some really fun intensity to this one.
Goaltending Matchup
We think that the former Sabre goes for Ottawa, Linus Ullmark. Like the Sens, Ullmark is hot, coming in with four-straight victories, including one shutout. He has a 1.74 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage in those contests. For Buffalo, their expected starter is Alex Lyon. He might even being better than Ullmark lately. He’s 5-0 in his past five contests. His save percentage in those games is .922, with a 2.31 GAA.
Prediction
Both of these teams come into this game with a ton of momentum on their side. Buffalo has gotten healthy, in both the lineup and the front office. They’re going to keep their win streak going with a solid performance on the road. A couple players they are currently without include Conor Timmins and Jason Zucker.
For Ottawa, they have a few injuries, including Shane Pinto, Lars Eller, who are definitely a no-go, and Tyler Kleven is likely out.
In terms of a statistical comparison, Ottawa wins the power play battler (25.9% to 20.4%). However, that advantage is negated by the penalty kills, as Buffalo is the better of the two (85% to 71.4%). Finally, what about the 5v5 play? Thought you’d never ask. Ottawa is fourth in the NHL, with a 54.7 team xGoals%. Moreover, Buffalo is also strong, at 50.9%, good for 11th rank. In any case, it will be a close one.
Prediction: Sabres win 3-2 (OT).
Prop Bets
To go along with our score prediction, check out a couple anytime scorers. Tage Thompson has been lighting the lamp at an impressive rate as of late. On the other side, look for Brady Tkachuk to bully his way into a goal in this matchup. For guys to record a point, look at Rasmus Dahlin to get an assist, and Drake Batherson to pick one up as well.
Main Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.