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Predators vs Senators Betting Preview
The Nashville Predators visit the Ottawa Senators on Monday, October 13, 2025, in a Canadian Thanksgiving matinee at Canadian Tire Centre. Puck drop is set for 12:30 PM ET on ESPN+.
Nashville (1-1-1) fell 3-2 in overtime to Utah on Saturday after leading midway through the third period. Coach Andrew Brunette’s club showed plenty of fight — Filip Forsberg and Erik Haula scored, and rookie Brady Martin recorded his first career assist. Goalie Juuse Saros was sharp again with 20 saves, and the team expects to carry that effort into Ottawa.
The Senators (1-1-0) look to rebound from a 6-2 loss to Florida in which coach Travis Green criticized his team’s discipline and penalty trouble. Shane Pinto has been the bright spot with back-to-back two-goal games to open the season. Goaltender Linus Ullmark will try to bounce back after allowing six goals on 27 shots.
Both teams are motivated after weekend losses and aim to build early-season momentum.
Line Movement and Odds
The Ottawa Senators opened as -176 moneyline favorites, with the Nashville Predators at +148. On the puck line, Nashville is -1.5 (+141) while Ottawa sits at +1.5 (-172). The total is 5.5 goals, with the over priced at -125 and the under at +103.
Early action leans slightly toward Ottawa, given home-ice advantage and Shane Pinto’s scoring surge. However, bettors backing Juuse Saros’ steadiness have kept Nashville’s number stable, making this one of the more balanced early-season matchups.
Totals bettors have targeted the over 5.5, as both clubs average nearly six combined goals per game. Nashville’s pace under Brunette trends toward higher shot volume, while Ottawa’s penalty issues continue to generate scoring chances both ways.
For real-time market movement, visit the NHL Odds page.
Matchup Breakdown
Nashville Predators Outlook:
Nashville enters at 1-1-1 and has shown solid two-way balance early. Despite the overtime loss to Utah, coach Andrew Brunette praised his team’s structure and compete level. Filip Forsberg remains the offensive engine, scoring in back-to-back games, while Roman Josi anchors the blue line with seven blocks and elite transition play.
Goaltender Juuse Saros continues to be Nashville’s anchor, stopping 58 shots through three starts with a .906 save percentage. The Preds rank top-10 in blocked shots and have yet to allow a first-period goal. For secondary scoring, Erik Haula and Luke Evangelista have added energy and forechecking depth that could pressure Ottawa’s defense early.
Ottawa Senators Outlook:
Ottawa’s 6-2 loss to Florida highlighted defensive lapses and penalty issues, with three power-play goals allowed. Coach Travis Green emphasized accountability, urging cleaner puck management. Still, Shane Pinto’s four goals in two games have powered the offense, making him the first Senator to start a season with consecutive multi-goal outings.
Linus Ullmark, after a tough outing, holds a 3.94 GAA but will start again Monday in front of a home crowd expected to boost morale. Ottawa’s physicality (64 hits, 22 takeaways) has been a strength, but discipline will be key against Nashville’s counterattack.
Key Factor:
The opening 10 minutes may dictate tempo — Nashville’s forecheck and Saros’ steadiness versus Ottawa’s home-ice surge. If the Senators stay out of the box, they can ride momentum early.
Injuries and Conditions
Nashville Predators Injury Report
The Predators remain healthy entering this matchup. Luke Evangelista, who returned Saturday with an assist, stays active. Juuse Saros will start again, with Kevin Lankinen backing up. Nashville’s blue line led by Roman Josi and Dante Fabbro remains intact. For late lineup updates, see the Nashville Predators injury report.
Ottawa Senators Injury Report
Ottawa may tweak lines but reports no major injuries. Shane Pinto leads the forwards, while Artem Zub and Jakob Chychrun handle top defensive minutes. Linus Ullmark is the projected starter, with Anton Forsberg available if needed. For the latest roster info, visit the Ottawa Senators injury report.
Game Conditions:
The Canadian Tire Centre crowd should bring energy on Thanksgiving afternoon. Ice quality and tempo favor Ottawa’s aggressive forecheck, but Nashville’s transition game can exploit turnovers in open ice.
Best Bets and Prediction
Both teams enter needing a response, but the setup favors Ottawa at home. Shane Pinto’s red-hot start and Ottawa’s strong bounce-back trend under Travis Green point to a rebound.
Juuse Saros keeps Nashville competitive, yet the Predators’ finishing struggles (6% shooting) remain a concern. Expect a tight opening period before Ottawa’s pace and power play tilt momentum late.
- Projected Score: Senators 4, Predators 3
- Best Bet: Senators Moneyline (-176)
- Secondary Lean: Over 5.5 Goals (-125)
For more expert breakdowns and model projections, check the NHL Picks page.
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