The much-anticipated matchup between the New Jersey Devils and the Ottawa Senators will unfold on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. With both teams competing fiercely for playoff positioning, this game represents a critical opportunity for the Senators (36-27-5) to turn around their current two-game losing streak while the Devils (37-27-6) aim to improve their own standings after recently suffering a loss.
As the puck drops, the Devils come into the match as the favored team, carrying a -130 odds, while the Senators are positioned as the underdog at +110. The total set for the game stands at 5.5, indicating expectations for at least some offensive fireworks from both sides.
Historically in recent performances, the Senators sit fourth in their division, struggling with a conference record of 18-15-4. Meanwhile, the Devils boast a slightly stronger overall record, currently occupying third place in their division and contending with a conference record of 24-13-6. This game will be crucial as both teams strive to gather vital points in the standings, and both fan bases are eager for a win.
Leading the offensive charge for the Devils is Jesper Bratt, who has tallied an impressive 80 points this season, complemented by Nico Hischier, who leads the team with 29 goals. Bratt’s contributions include 20 goals and a whopping 60 assists. The Senators will look to their top players, including Brady Tkachuk, who has compiled 53 points from 27 goals and 26 assists, and Tim Stutzle, who leads the Senators in assists and total points with 69.
However, both teams face significant injury challenges as game time approaches. For the Devils, Jack Hughes, a key forward with a stellar 27 goals and 43 assists this season, is placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve due to a shoulder injury and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Other missing players for the Devils include defenseman Dougie Hamilton (lower body) and Jonas Siegenthaler (lower body), both confirmed out for this matchup, along with day-to-day concerns for Curtis Lazar and Ondrej Palat.
Meanwhile, the Senators will be without Nick Cousins due to a knee injury and face uncertainties with Travis Hamonic and Nick Jensen, both of whom are considered day-to-day with undisclosed injuries and a lower body issue, respectively. Their absences could greatly impact the Senators’ chance of a turnaround in form.
Despite these challenges, some analysts believe the odds may be in favor of Ottawa, especially considering New Jersey's current injury woes. “The redeeming news for Ottawa is that New Jersey has some significant injuries to navigate down the stretch, so the Sens can probably jam a foot in the door with that bottom six and last pairing,” pointed out a recent commentary on the matchup.
The previous encounters this season have showcased the competitive nature of both squads, with the teams splitting their earlier matchups—each securing a win against the other. The Devils have managed to keep the cumulative box score close at 4-3, reflecting the intensity and closely matched talent between these teams.
As both teams head into this critical confrontation, the Devils find themselves amidst a recent split in their performance with five wins and five losses in their last ten games. Their most recent outing ended in a defeat to the Calgary Flames, marking their fourth loss in five games. The result served as an additional motivator for the Devils as they look to assert their dominance against the Senators.
The television broadcasts for this event will be available on MSG Sportsnet, with streaming options on Fubo, allowing fans to catch every moment of the action as it unfolds.
Tickets for the game are in high demand as fans around New Jersey gear up to support their team in what promises to be an exciting clash of Eastern Conference opponents. With both teams under pressure to secure a key victory to bolster their playoff aspirations, March 22 is set to be a thrilling night in Newark.
In summary, anticipation for this matchup is palpable. With playoff implications at stake, injuries impacting both rosters, and two teams striving to find their rhythm, the Senators will aim to reverse their fortunes while the Devils look to maintain their place in the playoff race. The lights will shine bright at the Prudential Center as both squads vie for a crucial victory.
