Senators vs. Devils: A Tight-Checking Affair Expected

The Ottawa Senators and New Jersey Devils are known for their low-scoring encounters, and another defensive struggle is anticipated when they face off tonight in Newark.This marks the final game of their three-game season series, with the previous two meetings totaling only seven goals combined. Given the offensive challenges both teams have faced at even strength, a continuation of this low-scoring trend is highly probable.

Both teams have consistently played in tight, low-scoring games. What more, both sides struggle considerably to create offense during 5-on-5 play.This makes both the creation generation, and of course, finishing of plays a real struggle. The Senators are almost last on 5-on-5 scoring rate since the beginning of January, they also sit second to last generating expected goals, acquisition might help a bit, but on the paper there is a long way to go for them.

New Jersey is only slightly better, 5-on-5 scoring rate for all of 2025. Losing Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton for the rest of the season deals a significant blow to their offensive capabilities. Hughes, who was on pace for a 93-point season, and Hamilton. These losses will further hinder their ability to generate offense, especially, a set defense.

Recent Meetings Reinforce Low-Scoring Expectation

The two previous games between these teams this season clearly illustrate their low-scoring nature. Their initial matchup in October saw only four goals, with two of those coming in the game’s final eight minutes.Their most recent encounter was even tighter, with Ottawa securing a 2-1 victory in a game with a mere 46 shots. There won’t be much place to work with, goaltending also should be strong side, with Jake Allen and Linus Ullmark, both doing exceptionally well above average.

This matchup does not paint a high scoring picture.Expect a hard-fought, defensively-focused game where goals are hard to be scored.

Goaltending Matchup Favors a Low Total

This game profiles as one with limited open ice, adding to the expectation of a low-scoring affair, the probable goaltending matchup further supports this prediction. Jake Allen has been outstanding for New Jersey, ranking third in Goals Saved Above Expected for the whole season. On the Ottawa side, projected starter Linus Ullmark boasts a solid .907 save percentage, significantly better than the league average .895, and has a 6-2-1 record in his last nine starts.Both goaltenders are in good form and capable of shutting down opposing offenses.

Betting Odds and Trends

Although the Devils opened as -121 favorites, their implied advantage has decreased slightly, with their odds now at -112. New Jersey has been inconsistent throughout 2023 and has struggled to score goals, which is likely to continue against Ottawa. The line hasn’t shifted further in Ottawa’s favor because, Allen has outperformed Jacob Markstrom lately, but the trend is there.

The total remains at 5.5 but is slightly juiced to the Over at -112 . Ottawa has played in high-scoring games lately, but that should change against a New Jersey team.The Senators have also hit the Game Total Under in 25 of their last 45 away games a 16% ROI.

Game Prediction: A Grinding, Low-Scoring Conflict

All factors point towards a low-scoring game between the Senators and Devils. Both teams are offensively struggle and defensively for 5-on-5, their recent meetings have been tight affairs, and the projected goaltending matchup favors a low total. While surprises can always happen in hockey, the smart money is a continuation is for another low scoring game. Expect a final score somewhere in the 2-1 or 3-2, with neither team lighting up the lamp frequently. The information is for the game On March 22, 2025.