Welcome to the second half of a back-to-back of Senators edition of NHL Predictions as Ottawa is visiting the Detroit Red Wings. With the Atlantic Division so tight, every point between divisional matchups are crucial. Unfortunately for Ottawa, that is amplified after last night’s disappointing outcome. So, let’s figure out what it all means.
NHL Predictions Red Wings and Senators
Season Series: The two teams met less than two weeks ago, in a 5-3 Detroit away win. The two teams play a further two games by March 24th.
Puck Drop: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch: RDS2, TSN5, FDSNDET
Location: Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan
Just like last night’s game against the Montreal Canadiens, this is a huge swing game in the Atlantic Division standings. As we stand, Detroit is stronger in the divisional standings. Meanwhile, Ottawa’s goaltending seems to let them down far too often. They feel like they need the two points in regulation today. At 22-19-6, Ottawa finds themselves still in eighth in the division. Meanwhile, Detroit enters plays in second at 29-16-4.
It was really sounding like, and based on the goaltending yesterday, you could see why, but that the Sens would be going with James Reimer in today’s contest. You could also look at it that Leevi Merilainen‘s confidence is definitely shaken, right now, but he mostly just needs some rest. As a young goaltender in the league, rarely are guys thrown into a lot of games early in their career. They have to develop and build to a bigger number of games. In the past 22 days, Merilainen has played 11 games. So for now, Ottawa can put in someone with tons of experience, to try to calm things down.
John Gibson is the expected starter in Detroit’s end. He carries a solid 18-9-1 record.
The Growing Rivalry between the Two Sides
This matchup has been trying to grow into a rivalry, like others we mentioned in yesterday’s predictions article. The expected starter for the Sens, Reimer, was a big part to the other side of it. You may recall from the fall of 2023, in an iconic goal from Tim Stutzle batting the puck out of mid-air with only seconds to go in overtime, Ottawa beat Detroit in a Global Series NHL game from Stockholm, Sweden. There have been other pieces building the rivalry, such as the players. Guys like Alex DeBrincat, David Perron, Jacob Bernard-Docker, and even Cam Talbot featured on the other side of the matchup within that past couple years. Plus the fact that Detroit has been able to emerge in the Atlantic Division this year, both teams have lots to prove to one another.
It is a good time for our disclaimer to please check social media for the lineups before locking in your daily fantasy lineups.
How Did the Senators Get In This Current Predicament?
Despite the tough loss last night versus Montreal, one positive takeaway was the performance of Jake Sanderson. His four-point effort (one goal and three assists), seemed to be enough until the late comeback. His leadership will be front-and-centre as Ottawa badly needs the two points. He continues to show why he is a deserving member of the Team USA Olympic contingent.
The Sens will look for their relatively healthy lineup to power them through today. They should be able to win the matchup game against Detroit. If they stick to the process, and maybe with a bit of goaltending luck, they can prevail today.
The Story for Detroit
The story in Detroit is that the famed ‘Yzer-plan’ is taking shape. General manager Steve Yzerman makes a lot of seemingly small moves, but they are all working towards a goal. Now, some of his players are emerging as stars.
A couple guys that come to mind, will be represent their countries at the Olympics. For Team Sweden, Lucas Raymond, and for Team Germany, Moritz Seider on defence. Raymond is having a huge season offensively with 38 assists for 52 points in 47 games. He is developing into the complete player with high-end scoring they were hoping for. Additionally, Seider has really cranked it up on defence. He is considered one of the main reasons Detroit is a good as they are this season. He has seven goals and 26 assists for 33 points, having appeared in all 49 games for Detroit.
NHL Predictions
This is going to be a grind for Ottawa. We do think with the shakeup with Reimer coming in, the fact they are going to be motivated to try to save their season, that they prevail.
Prediction: Red Wings 2 – Senators 3
Prop Bets
We like another Olympian, and Seider’s German teammate to hit the back of the net tonight. Tim Stutzle scored an absolute beauty, between-the-legs goal last night on Sam Montembeault. We think he keeps buzzing. For Detroit, we think DeBrincat scores. He is red hot with three goals and four assists in his last four games, that included two, three-point games.
Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.