The Ottawa Senators are hoping to clinch their first playoff berth since 2017 as they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night.
Our top Senators vs. Blue Jackets predictions and NHL picks expect Ottawa to stay hot on Tuesday, April 8.
Senators vs Blue Jackets prediction
My Senators pick: Senators moneyline (-114 at Pinnacle)
My Senators analysis
The Ottawa Senators flipped a switch to begin the month of March, and they haven’t slowed down since. They’re 13-4-2 in their last 19 games and have won three straight, including over these Columbus Blue Jackets last time out.
The Sens are now on the road, where they’re 18-18-4 this season, but the writing is on the wall for the Blue Jackets. Even with a 22-10-5 home record, it’s easy to fade Columbus here given that it's been outscored 16-3 in the last three games, including back-to-back shutouts in Toronto and Ottawa.
It’ll be backup netminder Anton Forsberg getting the nod for the Sens. While he’s not been as good as Linus Ullmark, he still boasts a .907 SV% and 2.57 GAA this season and is coming off a 39-save shutout against the Panthers. Forsberg is 2-1-1 with just seven goals allowed in six games (four starts) since the 4 Nations Face-Off break.
Elvis Merzlikins is confirmed to start for Columbus. He allowed one goal on 22 shots in relief on Sunday in Ottawa after giving up 12 goals in his previous two starts. Dating back to March 28, Merzlikins has allowed 23 goals in five games (four starts).
All in all, even with Brady Tkachuk still out for Ottawa, the Senators are a much better team at this point in the year than the Blue Jackets. Columbus’ home record may cause some hesitation, but the Sens can taste the playoffs and are playing great hockey right now.
Senators vs Blue Jackets odds analysis
The Ottawa Senators' odds haven’t moved too much since opening. They opened around -130 and have come down to -114 at Pinnacle, but I wouldn’t expect too much more movement. If anything, the news that Tkachuk is out could bring money in on Columbus to give us an even better price on the Senators.
The total is set at a flat 6 with the Over 6 slightly favored at -111 and Under 6 at -101 at Pinnacle. There shouldn’t be any unexpected goalie news, so I’d be surprised if this moves much at all.
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Senators vs Blue Jackets odds
Senators vs Blue Jackets live odds
Senators vs Blue Jackets opening odds
- Puck line: Ottawa -1.5 (+185) | Columbus +1.5 (-225)
- Moneyline: Ottawa -128 | Columbus +114
- Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6
Odds courtesy of Pinnacle
Senators vs Blue Jackets trend
The Ottawa Senators have hit the Game Total Under in 43 of their last 82 games (+9.20 Units / 10% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Senators vs. Blue Jackets.
How to watch Senators vs Blue Jackets
| Location | Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH |
| Date | Tuesday, 4-8-2025 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TSN5, RDS2 |
Senators vs Blue Jackets latest injuries
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