The Ottawa Senators are set to face off against the Chicago Blackhawks in a highly anticipated matchup at the Canadian Tire Centre on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. With the puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, fans are eager to see how these two teams will perform, especially with the Senators looking to solidify their playoff positioning.
The Senators (44-30-6) come into this game riding a wave of momentum, having won five of their last six games. They are currently locked into the first Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, which has allowed them to rest some key players for this final regular-season game. Notably, captain Brady Tkachuk will be absent due to an upper-body injury, and other stars like Claude Giroux and Jake Sanderson will also be taking the night off. However, former Blackhawk Anton Forsberg will be starting in goal, looking to make a statement against his former team.
On the other hand, the Chicago Blackhawks (24-46-11) are coming off a thrilling 4-2 shootout victory over the Montreal Canadiens. This win marked a rare bright spot in what has been a challenging season for the Blackhawks, who were eliminated from playoff contention long ago. Despite their struggles, the Blackhawks have shown resilience, and tonight's game offers them a chance to end the season on a high note.
According to the latest betting odds, the Senators are favored with a moneyline of -287, while the Blackhawks sit at +231. The spread is set at -1.5 in favor of Ottawa, with the total points set at 6. This lopsided betting line reflects the Senators' strong performance throughout the season compared to the Blackhawks' struggles.
Statistically, the Senators have excelled in several key areas this season. They boast a goals-for average of 2.90, ranking 21st in the league, while their goals-against average of 2.79 places them 9th overall. Their power play is also strong, operating at 23.0%, which ranks 14th. In contrast, the Blackhawks have struggled significantly, ranking 27th in goals-for per game (2.72) and 31st in goals-against per game (3.57).
One of the players to watch for the Blackhawks is rookie sensation Connor Bedard, who is currently on a three-game point streak, contributing a goal and five points in his last five games. Bedard leads the team with 64 points and has been a bright spot amid a tough season. Ryan Donato has also been a standout, leading the team with 31 goals.
For the Senators, Tim Stutzle has emerged as a key playmaker, leading the team with 52 assists and 75 points overall. Even with some star players resting, the Senators' depth should pose a significant challenge for the Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks have historically fared well against the Senators, holding a 17-3-2 record against them since the start of the 2010-11 season. However, this season's matchup has proven to be more competitive, with the last encounter ending in a close 4-3 overtime loss for Chicago on March 5, 2025.
As the game approaches, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The Senators are looking to continue their strong finish to the season, while the Blackhawks aim to close out their year with a victory. The dynamic between the two teams makes for an intriguing matchup, especially with the stakes involved for Ottawa.
In terms of goaltending, Spencer Knight is expected to start for the Blackhawks. Knight has had a solid season with a .901 save percentage and a 2.72 goals-against average. For the Senators, Forsberg brings experience and has put up a .904 save percentage with a 2.67 goals-against average this season.
As the game unfolds, both teams will be looking to capitalize on any mistakes made by their opponents. The Senators will aim to leverage their home-ice advantage and the energy of their fans, while the Blackhawks hope to harness their recent win and build momentum.
The final regular-season game for both teams promises to be an exciting encounter. Fans can expect a high-paced, competitive game as the Senators look to solidify their playoff position and the Blackhawks strive to end their season on a positive note.
With the puck about to drop, the atmosphere in Ottawa is electric. Will the Senators secure a victory and head into the playoffs with confidence, or can the Blackhawks pull off an upset in their final game of the season? Only time will tell as this thrilling matchup unfolds.
