Ottawa Senators return to Tampa Bay after months of absence The Ottawa Senators are set to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in a matchup that marks their first return to Tampa Bay since their season-opening victory in late September. The teams will meet on Saturday, nearly seven months after the Sens secured a 5-4 win in their opening game of the 2025-26 season. Both teams have been in strong form recently, with the Senators winning six of their last eight games and the Lightning claiming five of their past eight contests. The game will follow a night of mixed results for both teams, as they each picked up a single point in their previous matches. The Lightning fell to the Seattle Kraken in overtime, while the Senators lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a shootout. Linus Ullmark, the Sens’ goaltender, played a pivotal role in the shootout loss, stopping 35 shots, including 15 in the second period. His performance earned praise from coach Travis Green, who emphasized the team’s confidence in Ullmark’s ability to step up when needed. Ullmark’s contributions extended beyond the shootout, as he was instrumental in the Sens’ season-opening win. Alongside him, Brady Tkachuk recorded three assists, Artem Zub added a one-goal, three-point performance, and Shane Pinto contributed two goals and three points. The team’s recent success has been highlighted by their strong March record, with a 19-5-4 mark over the past two seasons. This places Ottawa as the top Eastern Conference team in March since the 2024-25 season. Since returning from a personal leave of absence on January 31, Ullmark has posted a 9-2-3 record with a .904 save percentage and a 2.35 goals-against average. His performance has placed him among the league’s top goalies, with only Andrei Vasilevskiy and Lukas Dostal recording more wins.#tampa_bay_lightning #ottawa_senators #brady_tkachuk #linus_ullmark #drake_batherson
Penguins vs Senators Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game The Ottawa Senators are favored to secure their fifth consecutive victory in a crucial regular-season matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins, according to expert analysis. The game, set for Thursday, March 26, will be part of the Senators’ push to secure a playoff spot, while the Penguins aim to halt a recent losing streak. The prediction highlights the Senators’ strong performance in recent weeks, including a 4-0 shutout and a 3-2 win over the Penguins this season. The Senators have dominated the league since January 25, posting a 15-3-2 record and earning the second-most points in that span. Their success is largely attributed to their elite goaltending, with a 2.15 goals-against average, the best in the NHL. In contrast, the Penguins have struggled offensively, surrendering 11 goals in their last two games. The absence of key players like Evgeni Malkin and Anthony Mantha, two of Pittsburgh’s top scorers, is expected to further challenge their offensive output. The betting odds reflect the Senators’ dominance, with the moneyline favoring Ottawa at -145, while the Penguins are listed at +125. A puck line bet offers additional options, with the Senators -1.5 at +160 and the Penguins +1.5 at -190. Over/Under bets are also available, with the total set at 6.5 goals. Analysts suggest the Senators’ ability to capitalize on Pittsburgh’s short-handed situations will be a key factor in their favor. Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa’s top scorer, is a focal point of the game, having recorded five goals in his last 10 outings and two against the Penguins this season. Sidney Crosby, meanwhile, is expected to carry a heavier offensive load, with a projected 2.5 shots on goal line.#pittsburgh_penguins #sidney_crosby #ottawa_senators #canadian_tire_centre #brady_tkachuk
