Blue Jackets vs Senators predictions
When the puck drops at the Canadian Tire Centre, all eyes will be on Columbus Blue Jackets’ right winger, Kirill Marchenko. With 31 goals under his belt this season, Marchenko is poised to be a thorn in the Ottawa defense. His ability to find the back of the net is electrifying, and you can expect him to bring that same intensity on the road, even if the team's away performance has been a bit rocky. Meanwhile, keep an eye on defenseman Zach Werenski as well. Having racked up 54 assists this season, Werenski’s playmaking skills are crucial in setting up scoring opportunities for the team. Together, these players could really shake things up if they hit their stride.
On the Ottawa side of the ice, the team might be missing Brady Tkachuk due to his current injury status, but there's no overlooking the presence of Tim Stutzle. As the center and the team's leader in points, Stutzle will be the driving force behind Ottawa's offensive efforts. His 51 assists this season showcase his knack for creating plays and finding his teammates in scoring positions. Imagine the tension in the air every time he has the puck, the crowd buzzing with anticipation. With Ottawa's current record, hosting the game gives them a significant edge and they’ll be counting on Stutzle to make the most of that advantage.
Now, when it comes to forecasting a winner for this matchup, Ottawa seems to have the upper hand. They're leading the season series and tend to perform well on home turf. With Stutzle poised to step up and their solid home record, the odds tilt in their favor. However, you never know when the Blue Jackets will surprise you with an explosive play from Marchenko or track-worthy assist from Werenski. Still, if I were a betting person, Ottawa Senators seem likely to take this one, but hey, that's what makes hockey so thrilling—it's always anyone's game. What do you think?
