Senators vs Blue Jackets

After rattling off four wins in their last five contests, the surging Ottawa Senators look primed to carry that momentum into Columbus. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets haven’t strung together consistent wins in recent weeks and have lost ground in the Eastern playoff race due to defensive lapses. Adding to the Jackets' concerns is the continued absence of top-pair defenseman Zach Werenski, who remains out with a lower-body injury. The Sens, in contrast, are skating close to full strength, with captain Brady Tkachuk hitting stride at the right time—posting six points in his last three games. Tim Stützle has also excelled against Columbus historically, recording nine points in his last five meetings with the Jackets. With Ottawa sitting at 42–29 and still very much in the hunt in the Atlantic Division, the playoff stakes are real, while Columbus at 34–33 is on the outside looking in. Given Ottawa’s superior recent form, healthier lineup, and higher urgency, the Senators offer stronger Moneyline value. While the -135 odds limit the payout slightly, the pick earns a B+ thanks to momentum and late-season intensity. Odds and availability are subject to change.

The surging Senators, led by Tim Stützle and Brady Tkachuk, head into Ohio with a three-game win streak and their postseason hopes still intact, while the Blue Jackets look to get back on track after recent losses. Ottawa is relatively healthy aside from Jakob Chychrun’s expected absence, which could impact their blue line depth, while Columbus remains without top-line forward Patrik Laine. Despite this, young Jackets sniper Kent Johnson has been a thorn in Ottawa’s side, logging three goals in two games against them last season. With both clubs averaging over 3.1 goals per game and showing defensive inconsistencies throughout the year, this late-season matchup leans more toward a wide-open affair than a tactical battle. The total is set at 6, a mark these teams have topped in four of their last five head-to-head meetings. Given the offensive firepower and defensive gaps on both sides, the Over presents strong value. However, minor volatility in finishing consistency keeps this play at a B grade. Odds and availability are subject to change.

With captain Brady Tkachuk fueling the fire, the Senators are catching stride at just the right moment, having won four of their last five and currently riding a three-game win streak. Their transition play has sharpened, with Tim Stützle and Claude Giroux creating consistent scoring chances. Meanwhile, Columbus heads north after a stretch of recent losses, and their blue line continues to struggle without Zach Werenski, who remains sidelined with a lower-body injury. The Blue Jackets’ goaltending carousel has yet to stabilize, with both Daniil Tarasov and Elvis Merzlikins unable to provide reliability behind a developing defensive corps. Ottawa has already defeated Columbus twice this season, including a 5-2 win in their most recent meeting, and holds a 7-3-0 record in the last 10 head-to-head matchups. With playoff hopes still alive and home-ice advantage in hand, Ottawa has more to play for and the deeper, healthier lineup to deliver. The -1.5 puckline at +185 carries solid value, though it comes with mild risk due to Ottawa’s occasional defensive hiccups. Still, given the matchup context and momentum, the edge strongly favors the home team pulling away late. Odds and availability are subject to change.