The Ottawa Senators will be playing on the second leg of back-to-back tonight as they travel into St. Louis to take on the Blues, who are fresh off of a big win at the NHL Winter Classic.
The Senators had a rough go last night in Dallas, as they fell to the Stars by the score of 4-2. Their offense has been lacking as of late, but my Senators vs. Blues predictions and NHL picks for Friday, January 3 think this unit will perk up. Read on to find out what that portends for tonight's total.
Senators vs Blues prediction
My Senators pick
Over 5.5 (-118 at Pinnacle)
My Senators analysis
The Ottawa Senators are still one of the more inconsistent teams in the NHL this season. They have their moments when they’re firing on all cylinders, but there are spurts where they can’t seem to find the back of the net.
Brady Tkachuk continues to be an offensive weapon with four points in his last four games, but Drake Batherson and Shane Pinto’s hot streaks have cooled off a bit, as neither of them have found the back of the net in this latest stretch. That said, the total being at 5.5 is way too low for the Senators, as on any given night this team can get hot and fill the back of the net.
The St. Louis Blues might be riding a little too high from their Winter Classic win, as well, which will play into Ottawa’s favor tonight.
The Blues have scored a total of 19 goals over a four-game span. During this stretch, the Blues have seven players who have at least a point per game, so there will definitely be a challenge for the Senators defensively tonight.
Leevi Merilainen has been getting the starts as of late due to the absence of Linus Ullmark, but tonight, we should see Anton Forsberg. Forsberg hasn’t played in many games this year, and he owns an uninspiring 4-6-0 record with a .889 SV% and a 2.95 GAA across 11 appearances.
Senators vs Blues odds analysis
Joel Hofer is tonight’s expected starter, since the Blues are playing the first half of a back-to-back, and his numbers have been solid this season. But the Senators were able to get him pulled from the last meeting between these two teams.
The Senators and Blues met on October 29, and Ottawa absolutely crushed them by the score of 8-1, as they were able to jump out to a 6-0 lead after two periods. Hofer allowed five goals on 21 shots in that game.
Neither of these teams are known for their defense, so they should trade scoring chances tonight.
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Senators vs Blues odds
Senators vs Blues live odds
Senators vs Blues opening odds
- Puck line: Ottawa +1.5 (-263) | St. Louis -1.5 (+224)
- Moneyline: Ottawa +104 | St. Louis -114
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-118) | Under 5.5 (+105)
Odds courtesy of Pinnacle
Senators vs Blues trend
The Over has hit in three of the last four meetings between the Blues and Senators. Find more NHL betting trends for Senators vs. Blues.
How to watch Senators vs Blues
| Location: | Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO |
| Date: | Friday, 1-3-2025 |
| Puck drop: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN5 |
Senators vs Blues latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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