Ottawa Senators vs Colorado Avalanche Picks and Predictions March 20th 2025

Senators Look to Bounce Back Against Avalanche After Streak Snapped

The Ottawa Senators (36-26-5, 77 points) had their six-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday with a 6-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Now, they aim to regroup as they host the Colorado Avalanche (41-25-3, 85 points) on Thursday.

Ottawa’s defeat ended an impressive stretch of eight consecutive games with a point (7-0-1). Despite goals from Travis Hamonic, Drake Batherson, and Michael Amadio, the Senators couldn’t match Montreal’s firepower.

Goaltender Linus Ullmark made 27 saves but couldn’t prevent the loss, bringing his season record to 18-12-3 with a 2.71 goals-against average (GAA) and a .911 save percentage.

“Of course, it stung a lot after the game,” said Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, who had his nine-game point streak (seven goals, three assists) halted. “But it could be a blessing to learn from that now versus later in the year.”

Tkachuk leads the Senators with 27 goals in 65 games, while Tim Stutzle has been the team’s top playmaker with 48 assists and 68 points in 67 games.

The Avalanche and Senators met earlier this season, with Colorado edging Ottawa 5-4 on October 27 in Denver.

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Colorado Looks to Rebound After Tough Loss to Toronto

The Avalanche, currently third in the Central Division, dropped a close 2-1 decision to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, snapping a 10-game point streak (8-1-1).

Valeri Nichushkin netted the lone goal for Colorado, while Mackenzie Blackwood made 24 saves but couldn’t secure the win.

“We’ve got to keep playing good hockey,” said Avalanche coach Jared Bednar. “The points are important, but I can’t fault our guys for the effort. We were engaged right from the drop of the puck.”

Nathan MacKinnon, the NHL’s leader in points (104) and assists (77), added an assist in the loss. Cale Makar, the NHL’s top-scoring defenseman (79 points, 25 goals, 54 assists), also contributed an assist on Nichushkin’s 18th of the season.

Goaltending Matchup: Wedgewood vs. Forsberg

Anton Forsberg is expected to start for the Senators. He has a 9-10-1 record in 23 games this season, with an .896 save percentage and a 2.78 GAA.

Meanwhile, Scott Wedgewood is slated to be between the pipes for Colorado. He is on a four-game winning streak, holding a 9-4-0 record in 14 games with a .917 save percentage and 2.10 GAA.

In his career against Ottawa, Wedgewood has a 3-1-0 record with a .910 save percentage and 3.47 GAA.

Betting Insights and NHL Playoff Picture

• Colorado sits third in the Central Division, four points behind Dallas Stars and two points ahead of the Minnesota Wild.
• Ottawa is battling to keep their playoff hopes alive, needing every point to stay in contention.
• Stanley Cup Odds, NHL Conference Winner Odds, and NHL Metropolitan Division Odds are shifting as the postseason approaches.

For the latest Pick, Team, and Odds insights, visit our Expert Betting Guide to get the most accurate predictions and betting strategies.

Final Thoughts

Can Ottawa bounce back from their disappointing loss, or will Colorado continue their strong form despite the setback in Toronto? With NHL playoff positioning on the line, expect a fierce and physical battle in Ottawa.