Ottawa Senators vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction – 3/18/2025

The Ottawa Senators are set to face off against the Montreal Canadiens tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Bell Centre. This Atlantic Division clash features two teams in strong form, both vying for crucial points as the season progresses.

Ottawa Senators vs. Montreal Canadiens Game Preview

The Senators enter this game riding a six-game winning streak, showcasing a balanced attack and solid defense. With a 36-25-5 record, Ottawa has accumulated 77 points, positioning them seventh in the Eastern Conference. Their recent victories include notable wins over the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, indicating their capability to perform against top-tier opponents.

Offensively, the Senators average 2.94 goals per game, with a power play success rate of 23.7%. Brady Tkachuk leads the team with 27 goals, while Tim Stutzle has contributed 48 assists. Defensively, they allow 2.8 goals per game, with Linus Ullmark posting a .911 save percentage and a 2.7 goals-against average.

The Canadiens, with a 32-27-7 record and 71 points, have also been impressive, winning seven of their last ten games. They recently secured a 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. Montreal's offense averages 2.95 goals per game, with Cole Caufield leading the charge with 33 goals. Nick Suzuki has been a key playmaker, recording 49 assists. Defensively, the Canadiens allow 3.34 goals per game, with goaltender Sam Montembeault holding a .901 save percentage and a 2.8 goals-against average.

In their previous encounters this season, Montreal has emerged victorious in both games, outscoring Ottawa 9-3. This history adds an extra layer of intrigue to tonight's matchup.

Betting Insights

Current betting lines reflect the competitive nature of this game. The Senators are favored with a moneyline of -140, while the Canadiens are at +120. The over/under is set at 5.5 goals, suggesting expectations of a moderately high-scoring game.

Key betting trends to consider:

• The Canadiens have won each of their last three games as underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
• The Senators have lost four of their last six games as road favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
• The Canadiens have covered the puck line in each of their last eight games as underdogs.
• The Senators have failed to cover the puck line in 19 of their last 22 games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.

These trends suggest that while Ottawa is favored, Montreal has a strong track record as an underdog, particularly within the division.

Ottawa Senators vs. Montreal Canadiens Prediction

Considering the current form of both teams, this game is poised to be a closely contested battle. Ottawa's six-game winning streak and balanced play make them a formidable opponent. However, Montreal's recent success, combined with their previous victories over Ottawa this season, indicates they are more than capable of securing a win.

Given the Canadiens' strong performance as underdogs and their home advantage, they present a compelling case for bettors seeking value. While the Senators' momentum cannot be overlooked, the Canadiens' resilience and recent head-to-head success suggest they have the edge in this matchup.

Prediction: Montreal Canadiens to win, with a final score of 4-3.