The Ottawa Senators (36-27-5) are slated to face off against the New Jersey Devils (37-27-6) on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, with the game starting at 7:00 PM ET. This matchup promises to bring excitement as both teams seek to improve their standings.
Fans can catch the action on ESPN+/MSGSN/SN1 as well as tune in to local radio broadcasts on TSN 1200 for Ottawa and Devils Hockey Network for New Jersey.
In the lead-up to this critical clash, the Senators come off a disappointing 5-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, where they struggled both offensively and defensively. March had started promisingly for the Senators, boasting a record of 7-2-1, averaging 3.8 goals scored per game, while allowing 3.3 in that same vein.
On the other side, the Devils also faced defeat in their last outing, succumbing to a 5-3 loss against the Calgary Flames. The recent performance sees the Devils holding a less favorable 5-5-0 record in March, with their offense averaging just 2.6 goals per game and yielding 3.2.
One player to watch for the Senators is their captain, Brady Tkachuk, who has amassed 53 points this season with 27 goals and 26 assists. In his encounters with the Devils, he has consistently performed well, tallying 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) across 16 games, including a goal in one of the two previous matchups this season.
Nico Hischier is a key player for the Devils, currently riding a five-game point streak that includes three goals and three assists. His contribution will be crucial as the team looks to reverse its recent fortunes and regain momentum.
In terms of lineups, both teams will be adjusting to injuries. The Senators have Nick Cousins on injured reserve, while Nick Jensen is listed as day-to-day. The Devils are managing multiple absences, including star forwards Jack Hughes and Ondrej Palat, alongside defender Dougie Hamilton, all of whom are unable to play.
With both teams entering the game looking to redeem themselves, the stakes are high. The Devils hope to utilize home-ice advantage, while the Senators aim to bounce back after two consecutive losses with a win that could bolster their playoff hopes.
As the game venue fills with anticipation, experts have been analyzing the matchup closely due to the defensive struggles both teams have faced this season. Projections suggest a tight battle, as historically, encounters between these two teams have been low-scoring. In their first meeting this season, Ottawa edged out New Jersey 2-1, a match characterized by defensive grit and tight checking, leaving fans anticipating a similar theme for this clash.
The projected goaltenders for tonight's matchup are Linus Ullmark for the Senators and Jacob Markstrom for the Devils. Ullmark has been steady with a .907 save percentage and a positive stretch of performances, while Markstrom’s form has varied, adding another layer of intrigue to this pivotal matchup.
Reflecting back on their previous meetings, the Devils have edged the historical matchup recently. The current matchup marks the last contest between Ottawa and New Jersey for the 2024-25 season as both aim for a solid finish before the playoffs. The teams have met twice this season already, and with a previous win for Ottawa, they look to establish dominance.
However, the Devils, bolstered by their home crowd, are under pressure to perform. After facing intense scrutiny for their inconsistency, Head Coach Sheldon Keefe has emphasized the need for resilience as they venture into a demanding schedule of six games within ten days. To improve their standings in the playoff race, every game becomes a must-win scenario.
Looking ahead, after this evening’s encounter, Ottawa will next face the Buffalo Sabres on March 25, while New Jersey has a game against the Vancouver Canucks set for March 24. As these playoff positioning battles intensify, each team will look to capitalize on any opportunity to strengthen their standings in exciting back-to-back matchups.
Finally, remaining on the sidelines as injuries mount will be a significant factor for both teams, directly shaping how effectively they can mount offensive strategies against each other. The absence of crucial players on both sides may very well dictate the tempo of the game and possible outcome. With so much at stake, fans are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling contest.
