Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Let’s take a look at the San Jose Sharks facing off against the Ottawa Senators. Today, like every day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. This matchup between San Jose and Ottawa is an interesting one for both sides, as the feeling amongst both fanbases is drastically different. Finally, be sure to check out more predictions for all the NHL’s games throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
Ottawa Senators at San Jose Sharks
Time: 10:30 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time)
TV: NBCSCA, TSN5, ESPN+
The Sharks Have a Budding Superstar on Their Hands
When he was drafted, most knew about Macklin Celebrini and what he could do for San Jose. However, after being sidelined with an injury, it’s taken the youngster some time to get on the score sheet. That changed on Monday. In the team’s 7-2 rout of the Los Angeles Kings, Celebrini had two goals and three points, good for his first three-point night. The 18-year-old is the catalyst for the Sharks’ offensive attack. Against the Kings, 12 different skaters each recorded a point. Will Smith and William Eklund each had two assists, while Nico Sturm, Luke Kunin, Fabian Zetterlund and Alexander Wennberg found the back of the net. In addition, Timothy Liljegren scored his second goal of the year. Each defenceman besides Cody Ceci also registered an assist, adding to the offensive explosion.
In net, Yaroslav Askarov notched his first win with the Sharks, making 22 saves. With the offence that was in front of him, Askarov’s job was easier, though he still played well. Before the upcoming back-to-back over the weekend, expect Mackenzie Blackwood between the pipes against the Sens.
The Senators are Reeling
In a season of hope, headlined by the hiring of new head coach Travis Green, the Senators sit near the bottom of the NHL standings heading into this game. The team had lost five in a row before beating the Calgary Flames on Monday. Ottawa is loaded with talent. Their top three scorers have played in all 21 games, and each has over 20 points. Tim Stützle leads the way with nine goals and 25 points, captain Brady Tkachuk has 11 goals and 23 points, and Drake Batherson has 22 points.
The Senators are getting good secondary scoring as well, as Claude Giroux and Josh Norris have 16 and 14 points, respectively. On the back end, Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson are contributing to the Sens’ offensive attack, particularly on the power play. New addition Nick Jensen has been a steady presence on the back end with eight points. The 34-year-old is hoping to help steady the ship on Ottawa’s rocky season.
Between the pipes, Linus Ullmark was supposed to be a major factor in the Sens making a jump. Instead, he’s failed to replicate the success he had in Boston. Through 12 starts, Ullmark has a lowly .881 SV% and has been charged with seven losses. His backup, Anton Forsberg has played better, exemplified by his .901 SV% and 2.79 GAA. However, if the Senators are going to turn their season around, Ullmark has to be the guy. With Forsberg seeing the ice against Calgary, expect Ullmark back between the pipes for this contest.
Prediction
These two teams’ seasons feel like they’re going in opposite directions. The Sharks have a lot of positive momentum with the recent success of Celebrini. The Senators, on the other hand, haven’t been able to find consistent success, which has led to a lot of frustration. Given the state of where each team is at, the Sharks should be the team that continues their positive momentum, while the Sens continue to search for answers.
Prediction: Sharks win 3-2.
Main photo by: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
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