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New York Islanders vs Ottawa Senators Game Preview
The New York Islanders visit the Ottawa Senators on Saturday afternoon at the Canadian Tire Centre, with puck drop set for 3:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Both teams earned breakthrough wins on Thursday and now look to build momentum in a matchup that could help set the tone for their early-season trajectories. The Islanders snapped a three-game losing streak with a decisive win over Edmonton, while the Senators clawed back to defeat Seattle in a shootout.
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Line Movement and Odds
The Senators opened as slight home favorites, with early betting leaning toward Ottawa due to their offensive potential at home.
Moneyline: Islanders +122 | Senators -146
Puck Line: Islanders -1.5 (-204) | Senators +1.5 (+165)
Total: 6.0 (-111)
Line movement has been relatively balanced, but the Over has attracted attention as both teams come off high-scoring games and defensive lapses remain a concern.
Game Overview
Momentum is the theme entering this clash. For the Islanders (1–3–0), Thursday’s 4–2 win over the Oilers was about relief as much as execution. Bo Horvat broke through with his second career hat trick — and first since 2019 — helping New York avoid going winless through four games for the first time in franchise history. The Islanders finally converted their zone time into goals, after leading the shot count in each of their first three games but failing to capitalize.
David Rittich, making his first start for the Islanders, provided stability in net with 31 saves. The defensive group played tighter around the crease, allowing fewer rebound chances and controlling the slot — a stark contrast to their earlier outings when they were outscored 13–7. Head coach Patrick Roy praised the team’s “response to adversity,” emphasizing the need to sustain that discipline on the road.
Forwards Mathew Barzal and Kyle Palmieri are expected to play key supporting roles behind Horvat, while Roy’s system continues to emphasize strong forechecking and simplified puck movement through neutral ice. Despite an underwhelming record, New York has played better than their results suggest — and Thursday’s win might be the turning point.
The Senators (2–3–0) find themselves in a similar spot — talented but inconsistent. Thursday’s 4–3 shootout win over Seattle snapped a three-game skid in which they allowed 18 goals. The victory came at a cost, however: captain Brady Tkachuk underwent thumb surgery and is expected to miss 6–8 weeks, a significant blow to Ottawa’s leadership and scoring.
Still, the Sens showed resolve. Down late in regulation, Dylan Cozens tied it with under two minutes left before Tim Stützle and Shane Pinto sealed the game in the shootout. That resilience will need to become a trend if Ottawa hopes to stay competitive in the crowded Atlantic Division.
The Senators’ offense has produced 16 goals through five games, with Stützle and Pinto driving the attack. Their faceoff dominance (1st in the NHL with 195 wins) and physical edge (top 10 in hits and blocks) make them dangerous when they control tempo. Coach Travis Green will look for his blue line, led by Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot, to tighten coverage and reduce second-chance opportunities against.
Injury Reports
| Team | Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islanders | Ethan Bear (D) | Out | Undisclosed |
| Pierre Engvall (LW) | Out | Hip | |
| Semyon Varlamov (G) | Out | Lower Body | |
| Senators | Brady Tkachuk (LW) | Out | Wrist |
Betting Trends
- New York Islanders are 1–3 straight up this season (25%).
- Islanders have gone 3–1 to the Over in all games.
- Islanders are 1–2 straight up as underdogs this season.
- Ottawa Senators are 2–3 straight up this season (40%).
- Senators are 0–4 on the puck line this season.
- Senators have gone 3–1 to the Over in all games.
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Prediction and Analysis
This matchup presents an interesting balance: the Islanders’ improving structure against Ottawa’s dynamic but volatile offense. The loss of Tkachuk shifts more responsibility to Stützle, Claude Giroux, and Josh Norris, while New York’s momentum could carry over if Horvat and Barzal continue clicking.
Ottawa’s home ice and offensive pace make them slight favorites, but the Islanders’ renewed confidence and solid goaltending could turn this into a 50/50 game. Expect both teams to generate plenty of looks, particularly on the power play, where defensive discipline will decide the outcome.
The Over remains a strong lean, as both clubs have combined for 31 goals allowed over their last five games.
Projected Score: Ottawa Senators 4, New York Islanders 3
Best Bet: Senators Moneyline (-146)
Over/Under Lean: Over 6.0 (-111)
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