Edmonton Oilers - Ottawa Senators predictions and free betting tips [07/01/2024]

The Ottawa Senators will host the Edmonton Oilers in an NHL regular season match.

Ottawa Senators

Struggling to find their feet from the very bottom of the Eastern Conference, the Ottawa Senators have had a tough season. They've suffered numerous losses, including the last two games at the start of their five-game road tour, falling to Seattle with a score of 1:4 and continuing a streak of losing three out of the last four matches. The Senators' overall record from their last 12 games includes only four wins and nine losses, with 14 road games only yielding four victories.

Following the coaching shift to Jacques Martin, the team suffered three losses in four games, including clashes against New Jersey, Vancouver, and Seattle, with an overall score of 6-16. One beacon of success was recorded against the Buffalo Sabres, where Ottawa claimed a 5:1 victory thanks to the 45 saves by goalie Anton Forsberg. Thomas Chabot was back in action after an injury and contributed with two assists, which had a positive impact on the gaming performance.

Holding a record of 13-20 this season, the Senators' average performance stands at 3.27 goals per game. However, they are falling behind in defence with an average of 3.64 goals conceded. Key contributors for the team incorporate Stuetzle, with seven goals and 27 assists. Vladimir Tarasenko and defenceman Artem Zub also pitch in, although Tarasenko hasn't been in his best form.

Edmonton Oilers

Despite a woeful start to their season, amassing a record of 2-9-1 and subsequently parting ways with coach Jay Woodcroft, the Edmonton Oilers have seen a turn of fortunes, enjoying a six-game winning streak—the longest active win streak in the NHL. This successful stretch has enabled the Oilers to climb the ladder and inch closer to the playoff zone, standing just two points shy of the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. The team's resurgence is largely due to the influential performances from stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

McDavid has been instrumental with his offensive performance, showcasing his 10th career five-point game against the Philadelphia Flyers, where the Oilers emerged victorious with a 5:2 win. Draisaitl has been in good form as well, netting a goal in three successive games.

Since the start of November, the team has enjoyed a spell of potent offense, bagging an average of 4.27 goals per game and winning 14 out of their last 17 matches. Coach Chris Knoblauch successfully assembled a formidable lineup ahead of the road tour, boosting the team's performance. Edmonton has been consistent, defeating Philadelphia, New York Rangers, New Jersey, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Anaheim with an overall goal tally of 30:12.

Head-to-head

The Oilers have won 3 of the last 5 games. On March 5, 2023, the Oilers triumphed with a score of 6:3. Previously, too, on February 11, 2023, Edmonton emerged the stronger side, winning with the same score of 6:3. On February 1, 2022, Ottawa won in overtime with a scoreline of 3:2. In the preceding match on January 16, 2022, the Senators demonstrated a high level of play, defeating the Oilers with a score of 6:4.

Prediction for the Edmonton Oilers - Ottawa Senators match

Edmonton showed convincing results last season, twice defeating Ottawa 6:3. This winning trend continues as the Oilers have managed to win, with a margin of two or more goals, in each of their last six encounters. This stability extends against other teams too, with Edmonton scoring a minimum of 3 goals in 3 out of the last 4 games. Ottawa, on the other hand, has serious defensive problems, especially on the road, where they've let in 37 goals in the last seven away matches. A solid victory for the home team is, therefore, what I predict.