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Blue Jackets vs Senators Picks and Predictions – Monday December 29, 2025
Columbus heads to the Canadian Tire Centre to face Ottawa on Monday night at 7:00 PM on ESPN+. The Blue Jackets are 16-15-6 and still trying to find traction inside the division, while the Senators are 18-14-5 and looking to turn strong offensive stretches into more consistent results.
The market is leaning hard toward Ottawa at -204 with Columbus +166. That is a meaningful favorite tag for a team that has shown volatility, so the handicap starts with who has the special teams edge, what the goalie situation looks like, and whether Columbus can turn shot volume into real finishing.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Ottawa Senators Odds
Ottawa is priced as the clear home favorite, and that number can shift if goalie news changes the expected scoring environment. Keep monitoring updated NHL odds before puck drop, especially with the total sitting at 6.5.
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus Blue Jackets | +166 | Varies | 6.5 |
| Ottawa Senators | -204 | Varies | 6.5 |
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Form
Columbus is coming in off a 4-2 win over the Islanders, and the encouraging part is the Jackets are generating offense through pace and volume, not just a couple of lucky bounces. They are top tier in shots on goal this season, and that is a real foundation for an underdog because it keeps you from spending the entire night defending.
Their power play is also good enough to matter. Nineteen power-play goals and a top-10 rank means Columbus can hang around even if 5v5 play tilts toward Ottawa for stretches. The issue is that injuries have hit the blue line, and that can be a problem against a Senators team with real finishing and a power play that punishes mistakes.
Check the Columbus Blue Jackets injury report before you bet, especially with Werenski out. For recent results and matchup splits, use Columbus Blue Jackets stats and results.
Ottawa Senators Betting Form
Ottawa just lost 7-5 to Toronto, but the more important note is they still scored five. The Senators have enough offense to win games even when the defensive side gets messy, and their season-long scoring profile supports the idea that they can separate from mid-tier opponents at home.
The power play is the obvious edge. Ottawa is near the top of the league in power-play goals with 31, and that matters in a game where Columbus can take penalties when chasing. Ottawa also has multiple creators, so even if one line is quiet, they can still get to four through special teams and depth scoring.
The injury situation is the key variable. Ullmark is listed out, and that changes how you should think about both price and total. If Ottawa is not at full strength in net, laying -204 gets uncomfortable quickly because you need a clean favorite performance. Check the Ottawa Senators injury report and then review Ottawa Senators schedule and stats for how they have performed in similar favorite ranges at home.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Ottawa Senators Matchup Breakdown
This matchup is about special teams and shot quality. Columbus can generate volume, but Ottawa’s offense is more efficient and more dangerous on the power play. If the game is played mostly at 5v5 with limited whistles, Columbus becomes more live because they can turn it into a possession and shot count battle.
At 5v5, Ottawa’s goal is to punish Columbus for defensive injuries by forcing breakdowns on extended zone time. The Senators can score off second chances, and that is where missing blue line pieces show up. Columbus needs cleaner exits and fewer failed clears because Ottawa’s best looks often come right after the opponent cannot get the puck out.
Special teams is the swing lane. Ottawa has the more lethal power play, while Columbus needs to find production with the man advantage to keep the math even. If Columbus takes two or three penalties in the middle frames, Ottawa’s power play can take a 2-2 game and turn it into 4-2 fast.
Goaltending should be treated as unconfirmed until it is announced. Ottawa missing Ullmark increases volatility and makes 6.5 totals more fragile. If Ottawa is in a backup situation and Columbus keeps generating shots, the under becomes less attractive, even if both teams prefer to win through structure.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Ottawa Senators Predictions and Best Bets
Ottawa is the right favorite, but -204 is a number that demands you believe Ottawa will win cleanly. With the goalie situation a question and Ottawa coming off a high-event game, there is a path where Columbus hangs around and turns this into a one-goal game late.
From a betting standpoint, I prefer the total angle. Columbus can generate shots, but they are not always efficient, and Ottawa can shift into a more controlled game at home if they get a lead. With 6.5, you are getting a key number where 4-2 and 3-3 are both common outcomes, and a 4-2 script lines up with how these teams tend to win when the favorite is managing the game.
Best Bet: Under 6.5
NHL Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
If you are building a full slate card, compare your read with the market on the NHL picks page and see whether bettors are laying Ottawa or attacking the total.
To filter for consistent long-term results, start with the best handicappers hub and then check the handicappers leaderboard for who is actually producing right now. If you want packaged plays rather than one-off leans, you can also buy picks and browse more matchup coverage through the NHL previews hub.
If you are thinking about futures timing as well as nightly edges, the Stanley Cup betting guide is useful for understanding how prices shift as the season moves and contenders separate.
