With playoff implications hanging in the balance, the Ottawa Senators host the Columbus Blue Jackets in what could be a pivotal Eastern Conference showdown at Canadian Tire Centre this Sunday evening.
The Senators' lockdown defense, which has surrendered just one goal in their last two games, will face a serious test against Columbus's potent offense that's averaging over three goals per game despite their recent defensive struggles.
The clash of styles should make for compelling hockey as the home team Senators look to cement their wild card position against an away team Blue Jackets squad desperately clinging to their playoff hopes.
Ottawa Senators vs. Columbus Blue Jackets prediction: who will win?
For tonight's Ottawa Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets matchup, our predictive model gives the Sens a 55% chance of defeating the Jackets.
Pre-game probabilities
Ottawa Senators
Moneyline
Win %
55%
45%
Columbus Blue Jackets
Ottawa Senators: 55% win probability
- Superior point production (88 points in 76 games compared to Columbus' 77 points)
- More efficient offense (218 goals scored with fewer games played)
- Strong recent momentum (WWLLW form shows consistent performance)
Columbus Blue Jackets: 45% win probability
- Poor defensive record (258 goals against, among the highest in the conference)
- Inconsistent recent performance (LLWLW form shows difficulty maintaining momentum)
- Underperforming on the road (contributing to their lower conference position at 11th place)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts..
| Ottawa Senators | Columbus Blue Jackets | |
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| Moneyline |
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Ottawa Senators vs. Columbus Blue Jackets preview
The Ottawa Senators host the Columbus Blue Jackets this Sunday in what could be a crucial game for both teams' playoff aspirations in the Eastern Conference.
Columbus rolls into Canadian Tire Centre with their high-octane offense (3.23 goals per game) led by the dynamic trio of Marchenko, Johnson, and Monahan, but their leaky defense has been their Achilles' heel all season.
The Senators, clinging to a wild card spot, have taken the opposite approach – smothering opponents with a stingy defense that's allowed just one goal in their last two games, with Linus Ullmark standing tall between the pipes.
Look for Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson to create havoc against a Blue Jackets team that's surrendered a whopping 16 goals in their last three outings.
Daniil Tarasov will need to significantly improve his .883 save percentage if Columbus hopes to steal two points on the road and keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
The battle between Columbus' potent offense and Ottawa's lockdown defense should make for a fascinating chess match on the ice.
My gut says Ottawa's home-ice advantage and Ullmark's hot streak give them the edge in what'll likely be a tight, low-scoring affair.
If the Blue Jackets can overcome their defensive woes and capitalize on their power play opportunities, they just might pull off the upset in a game that has serious playoff implications.
Ottawa Senators vs. Columbus Blue Jackets form
Ottawa Senators vs. Columbus Blue Jackets head to head
Ottawa Senators
67%
Columbus Blue Jackets
33%
Mar 29, 2025
Ottawa Senators
3 : 2
Columbus Blue Jackets
Mar 14, 2024
Columbus Blue Jackets
2 : 3
Ottawa Senators
Feb 14, 2024
Ottawa Senators
6 : 3
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dec 2, 2023
Columbus Blue Jackets
4 : 2
Ottawa Senators
Apr 2, 2023
Columbus Blue Jackets
4 : 3
Ottawa Senators
Mar 5, 2023
Ottawa Senators
5 : 2
Columbus Blue Jackets
