Ottawa Senators vs Arizona Coyotes Picks and Predictions January 26th 2025

Senators Face Quick Turnaround After Emotional Victory

The Ottawa Senators (23-19-4) return to the ice Sunday with little time to rest following a gritty 2-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. The game marked the Senators’ fifth straight win in back-to-back scenarios, showcasing their ability to battle through fatigue and adversity.

Coach Travis Green emphasized the mental challenge of back-to-back games:

“Not only is it a hard-fought game, but it’s an emotional game. Your emotional energy is very high during these games, and we’ve talked about it. You’ve got to enjoy it for a little bit and then get reset for tomorrow.”

Shane Pinto scored the game-winning goal in the third period, while Tim Stutzle added a power-play tally, snapping the Senators’ 1-for-19 slump with the man advantage. Stutzle now leads the team with 46 points (16 goals, 30 assists) and has been a consistent driving force for Ottawa’s offense.

The Senators also welcomed the return of defensemen Jake Sanderson and Travis Hamonic, both of whom made key contributions after recent injuries. However, forward Nick Cousins exited Saturday’s game with a lower-body injury following a knee-on-knee collision. Coach Green confirmed that Cousins will miss time, forcing yet another lineup shuffle for the Senators.

Utah HC Seeks to Rebound

The Utah Hockey Club (21-22-3) wraps up its three-game road trip in Ottawa after a tough 5-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Friday. Despite the setback, Coach Andre Tourigny praised his team’s effort against one of the Western Conference’s best teams:

“We played a good team, played hard (and) played the right way. I believe in this group, and I’m sure our players do as well.”

Clayton Keller, Utah’s offensive catalyst, continued his strong play with two assists against Winnipeg, extending his point streak to six games. Keller leads the team with 53 points (17 goals, 36 assists) and has 12 points (three goals, nine assists) during his current streak.

Nick Schmaltz has been equally impressive, with at least one point in eight straight games. Schmaltz scored his 10th goal of the season on Friday and ranks second on the team with 29 assists.

Utah remains without top defenseman Mikhail Sergachev (upper-body injury) and winger Dylan Guenther (lower body), both of whom have been key contributors. Sergachev’s absence leaves a significant void on the blue line, where he averages 25:45 of ice time per game.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Senators’ Depth vs. Utah’s Shortened Lineup

With Nick Cousins out, Ottawa will need players like Matthew Highmore to step up again. Highmore played a key role in defending against Toronto’s top line and contributed offensively with an assist on Pinto’s game-winning goal.

2. Clayton Keller vs. Ottawa’s Defense

Keller has been Utah’s most consistent offensive weapon, and his ability to create scoring opportunities will test a Senators defense that excelled Saturday against Toronto.

3. Power Play Opportunities

Both teams have shown inconsistency on the power play, but special teams could be the difference in a close game. Ottawa found success on Saturday, while Utah has struggled to convert without Sergachev quarterbacking their power play.

Prediction

While the Senators have momentum and the advantage of home ice, the quick turnaround could lead to some fatigue. Utah’s offensive stars, Keller and Schmaltz, will need to deliver if the Hockey Club hopes to snap Ottawa’s back-to-back dominance.

Final Score Prediction: Senators 3, Utah HC 2

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Conclusion

Sunday’s game offers Ottawa a chance to maintain its upward trajectory and strengthen its playoff push. For Utah, it’s an opportunity to end their road trip on a high note and stay competitive in a tightly contested conference race.