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Blackhawks vs Senators Betting Preview
Ottawa enters Saturday with momentum and renewed structure. Their 4-0 win over Pittsburgh showed full buy-in across the lineup. Brady Tkachuk scored twice. Linus Ullmark posted a 25-save shutout. Their pressure and defensive layers stayed intact from start to finish. They limited Pittsburgh’s chances and executed well inside the offensive zone.
David Perron recorded his 800th career point. Claude Giroux added scoring depth. Drake Batherson and Tim Stützle continued driving possession. Stützle’s five-game point streak highlights his pace and influence. He leads the team in goals and points while anchoring transition play. His usage in both zones shapes Ottawa’s identity.
Chicago arrives in the opposite direction. Their 4-1 loss to Montreal reflected hesitation and limited execution. Their shot total fell to 15. Their inability to generate volume remains a major issue. Life without Connor Bedard has become a steep battle. Their scoring fell off sharply, and their structure breaks under sustained pressure. Their recent six losses in seven games highlight their struggle to create offense and maintain pace.
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Line Movement and Odds
Senators -210, Blackhawks +175
Total: 6.0 (over -112, under -108)
Ottawa’s recent surge and Chicago’s injuries shaped early market action.
Check updated numbers on the NHL odds page.
Matchup Breakdown
Chicago overview
Chicago enters this matchup with limited scoring options. Their offense collapsed without Connor Bedard, who led them before his upper-body injury. They scored only three goals across the last three games. Their zone entries stall often. Their shot production remains among the lowest in the league. Too many plays move away from the slot, and their shot selection lacks urgency.
Frank Nazar broke a long drought with a goal on Thursday. His pace and energy help, but the roster lacks finishing. Their defensive layers struggle when pinned in their zone, and their transition game fails to produce consistent chances.
Their path involves creating volume early. They need interior shots and traffic. Any attempt to play wide will feed Ottawa’s pressure.
Full team breakdown available on the Chicago Blackhawks page.
Ottawa overview
Ottawa’s recent stretch reflects improved detail. Their 4-0 win over Pittsburgh showcased structure in all zones. Their support around Ullmark remained strong. They blocked lanes, managed puck decisions and controlled puck battles. Their forecheck forced turnovers and extended attack time.
Stützle leads the team with 34 points. His distribution and zone entries anchor the top line. Batherson provides balance with transition support and pressure on retrievals. Tkachuk’s physicality and scoring lift their presence around the crease. Their blue line continues stabilizing exits and limiting opponents’ second looks.
Ottawa’s home play improves when they force early pressure. Their scoring depth and defensive shape give them an advantage.
Team overview available on the Ottawa Senators page.
Injuries
Chicago Blackhawks
- Connor Bedard — Out, upper body
- Taylor Hall — Out, knee
- Seth Jones — Out, shoulder
- Tyler Johnson — Out, foot
- Joey Anderson — Out, shoulder
- Taylor Raddysh — Out, groin
- Alex Vlasic — Out, concussion
- Andreas Athanasiou — Out, groin
Ottawa Senators
- Thomas Chabot — Out, upper body
- Brady Tkachuk — Questionable, thumb
- Ridly Greig — Out, lower body
- Erik Brannstrom — Out, lower body
- Mark Kastelic — Out, lower body
(Injuries reflect known long-term or current absences as of their latest reporting window.)
Betting Trends
- Senators 3-1 in last four
- Senators trending toward under results due to strong defensive play
- Blackhawks 1-6 in last seven
- Blackhawks scored only nine goals over that span
- Chicago struggling to generate shots
- Ottawa improving structure and shot quality
Best Bets and Prediction
Ottawa controls pace, scoring depth and defensive structure. Chicago struggles without Bedard and lacks finishing across its lineup. Ottawa’s pressure, home form and top-line production provide clear edges.
Projected score: Senators 4, Blackhawks 1
Best Bet: Senators -210
Total Lean: Under 6.0
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