Ottawa is currently in a fierce battle for a playoff spot this season. The team is in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with 62 points, trailing the 8th spot by just four points. It’s worth noting that the team started the month strong, even securing a five-game winning streak, but followed it up with a five-game losing streak.
The Senators’ recent losses include a 1-5 defeat to Tampa Bay and Florida, followed by home losses to Montreal (2-5) and Winnipeg (1-4). In these games, the Senators struggled to create and convert chances, often failing to score more than one or two goals. They also struggled on the power play. In their game against the Jets, they had two opportunities with a 5-on-4 advantage, but couldn’t generate any significant scoring chances.
Typically, Ottawa struggles in the final 20 minutes, with a goal differential of 52 goals scored to 65 goals conceded in the third period. They rarely leave it unscathed. However, with the support of their home crowd, Ottawa has been strong, having only lost in regulation seven times at home this season, while winning in 12 games during regulation. Injuries and Suspensions: Bernard-Docker, Cizikas, Merilainen, and Kleven will miss the upcoming game due to injuries.
Betting Trends of Interest
San Jose remains the bottom team in the Western Conference, sitting in last place in the standings. While they still have a chance to climb out of last, it will require a serious turnaround, especially ending their long losing streak. Recently, the Sharks lost seven consecutive games, with three of them going to overtime, but luck was never on their side.
The Sharks recently lost 3-8 at home to Dallas, followed by road defeats to Calgary (1-2) and close losses to Winnipeg (1-2 OT) and Montreal (3-4 OT). Many of these losses were due to scoring only a single goal and struggling to break down the opponent’s defense. This is unusual because throughout the season, San Jose has been playing an open style, often engaging in high-scoring games. In fact, they remain the team with the most goals allowed in the league.
On the road, under Ryan Warsofsky, the Sharks have been less successful compared to their home performances, securing only four wins in regulation. They’ve particularly struggled in the opening periods, with a goal differential of 45 scored to 70 conceded. On average, they allow about four goals per game when playing away from home. Injuries and Suspensions: Rutta and Tran will miss the upcoming match due to injuries.
Betting Trends of Interest
Previous meetings involving San Jose were not particularly productive and often took place with fewer than seven goals scored. Ottawa, after a series of unsuccessful matches, will probably try to play in a more closed style and will act more carefully in its own zone. Plus, both teams have recently had difficulty converting their chances, so it makes sense to bet on the total under. Bookmakers give odds of 1.65 for Ottawa, 4.80 for a draw, and 4.45 for San Jose. Total over 5.5 goals is offered for 1.70, total under — for 2.15
