Ottawa Senators vs Nashville Predators Picks and Predictions December 7th 2024

Predators try to halt 6-game skid in clash with Senators

The Nashville Predators head into a pivotal Saturday night clash with the Ottawa Senators, hoping to put an end to their season-long six-game winless streak. As both teams face challenges, the matchup promises to be a test of resilience and adaptability.

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Predators’ Season at a Crossroads

The Predators are enduring a six-game slide (0-3-3), struggling to find offensive momentum. Averaging just 2.2 goals per game—the lowest in the NHL—Nashville has failed to score more than two goals in any game during this stretch.

“We’re trying to produce more offense,” said defenseman Alexandre Carrier after Thursday’s 3-0 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. “We’ve got to get a bit more greasy in front of their net.”

Compounding the Predators’ troubles is the absence of Ryan O’Reilly, their third-highest scorer, who is sidelined week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, offseason acquisitions Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault have combined for just one goal during the skid, leaving fans and analysts expecting more.

Adding to their woes, Nashville has been dismal on the road, with only two wins (2-8-4) away from home this season. Saturday’s game marks the end of a challenging four-game road trip, making it a must-win for the struggling team.

Senators Look to Build Momentum

While the Ottawa Senators have had their share of ups and downs, they enter Saturday’s game with renewed optimism following a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday. Josh Norris led the charge, scoring both goals, including the game-winner with just 43 seconds remaining.

“Every once in a while, you play a game in the middle of the season that you can tag as a big game,” said coach Travis Green. “It was a division rival, a team we’re chasing, and we got two crucial points. I thought we deserved it, especially after how we played in the first two periods.”

Despite letting their lead slip in the third period, the Senators showed resilience, a trait they’ll need to continue cultivating in their second game of a four-game homestand.

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Special Teams in the Spotlight

Special teams could be a deciding factor in this contest. Both teams have struggled recently in this area:

• Predators’ Penalty Kill: While Nashville boasts a strong 87.5% penalty-kill percentage on the season, they’ve allowed a power-play goal in four consecutive games.
• Senators’ Shorthanded Woes: Ottawa has given up a shorthanded goal in six straight games, exposing gaps in their defensive setups.

Whichever team can tighten up these aspects will likely gain an edge.

What’s at Stake?

For the Predators, Saturday represents a chance to stop the bleeding and gain much-needed momentum. Failing to do so could see their season spiral further downward, especially with mounting pressure on their star players.

The Senators, meanwhile, have the opportunity to capitalize on home-ice advantage and build on their recent victory. Sitting behind division rivals in the standings, Ottawa needs every point they can earn to stay in the playoff hunt.

Key Players to Watch

1. Josh Norris (Senators): After his clutch performance against Detroit, Norris will be a focal point of Ottawa’s offense.
2. Juuse Saros (Predators): The Predators’ goaltender will need to be sharp to compensate for his team’s lack of scoring.
3. Brady Tkachuk (Senators): Known for his physical play and leadership, Tkachuk’s presence could influence the game’s tone.
4. Roman Josi (Predators): The team captain must step up offensively and defensively to inspire a turnaround.

Final Thoughts

Saturday’s showdown offers a compelling narrative: a struggling Predators team fighting to rediscover their identity against a Senators squad seeking consistency and progress. With both teams leaking goals on special teams and grappling with roster challenges, the game could come down to grit, determination, and key moments of execution.

For Nashville, it’s about stopping the slide. For Ottawa, it’s about building on their momentum. One thing is certain—this clash is crucial for both teams’ trajectories this season.

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Predictions and Insights
While Ottawa’s recent win and home advantage give them the edge on paper, Nashville’s desperation could make them a dangerous opponent. Expect a physical, closely contested battle with playoff implications looming in the background.

Key Stat to Watch: Both teams have a -10 or worse goal differential over the past six games, underscoring the defensive and offensive adjustments required to secure a win.