Senators vs Devils predictions
There's a buzz of anticipation around the Ottawa Senators as they gear up for their clash against the New Jersey Devils. Keep an eye on Tim Stutzle, who has been pivotal for the Senators, racking up an impressive 30 assists and 45 points so far this season. With his day-to-day injury status raising some eyebrows, albeit cautiously optimistic ones, there's a question mark on whether he'll hit the ice. If he does, expect him to be integral in setting up plays. Brady Tkachuk, also listed day-to-day, has proven to be a reliable goal scorer, netting 18 goals this season. Should both these players suit up, they could be key in navigating the Senators through a tight game, possibly finding just enough holes in the Devils' defense to make a real impact.
Talking of the Devils, they might just have the edge with their roster boasting the relentless point-scoring machine, Jack Hughes. This season, Hughes has stood out with 37 assists and a total of 55 points. He's been instrumental, weaving through defenses like a master chess player anticipating his opponent's every move. Alongside him, Nico Hischier has also been productive, lighting the lamp 22 times. These two players together create a dynamic duo that can keep the heat on Ottawa's goalies. They are likely to control the tempo of the game, ensuring the puck spends more time in Ottawa's zone than anywhere else, which can wear down defenses over time.
When it comes to predicting the outcome of the match, one can't help but lean slightly towards the New Jersey Devils as favorites. The Senators' road record of 11-11-2 falls short when stacked against the Devils' home performance. Coupled with possible injury concerns looming over Stutzle and Tkachuk, Ottawa might find themselves on the back foot. The Devils, with their offensive firepower, robust home presence, and stellar key performances, especially from Hughes and Hischier, are well prepared to extend their lead in the series. That said, hockey is known for its surprises, and it wouldn’t be unheard of for the Senators to pull an upset, but smart money is sticking with the Devils. What do you think, are we in for a surprise, or is this the Devils’ game to lose?
