Vancouver-canucks vs Ottawa Senators Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Linus Ullmark, Sens hope to keep win streak alive at Canucks

The Ottawa Senators are eyeing a continuation of their impressive five-game winning streak as they face the Vancouver Canucks in a pivotal all-Canadian clash this Saturday. With playoff aspirations firmly in their sights, the Senators are drawing inspiration from the Canucks’ resurgence last season, which ended their lengthy postseason drought.

Senators Riding High on Momentum

Ottawa has surged to the forefront of the NHL spotlight, thanks to their hot start during a grueling nine-game road trip necessitated by their hosting of the World Junior Hockey Championships. After an exhilarating 3-2 overtime victory against the Calgary Flames on Thursday, the Senators are proving their resilience and confidence.

“Feels good when you win a few games,” said head coach Travis Green. “We weren’t at our best (against Calgary), but we found a way to win. We’ll need to step up to beat Vancouver.”

Brady Tkachuk, the team’s captain and offensive leader, sealed Thursday’s win just 55 seconds into overtime, notching his 16th goal of the season. His determination, combined with timely contributions from Nick Cousins and Ridly Greig, has fueled Ottawa’s success.

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Linus Ullmark: The Backbone of Ottawa’s Streak

A key factor in the Senators’ dominance has been goaltender Linus Ullmark. Acquired in the offseason, Ullmark has been a game-changer, living up to his billing as the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner.

Ullmark has won each of his last seven starts, conceding a mere seven goals during that stretch. Beyond stellar saves, he’s contributed offensively, assisting on Tkachuk’s game-winning goal against Calgary.

“The boys are feeling good right now,” said Ridly Greig. “Ullmark has been a big part of that. Everything’s coming together, and we’re playing with a lot more confidence.”

Challenges Mount for the Canucks

In contrast, the Vancouver Canucks are grappling with inconsistency. The team has lost five of their last seven games (2-3-2), including a 3-1 defeat to the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. Fatigue from a packed schedule—four games in six nights—has taken its toll.

A major concern is the absence of Thatcher Demko, their No. 1 goaltender, who missed Thursday’s game after sustaining heavy hits in an overtime loss to Utah earlier in the week. Demko, who recovered from a knee injury late last season, is a cornerstone of Vancouver’s defense, and his availability remains uncertain.

“It was a good hockey game,” said Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet, referring to the Vegas loss. “We didn’t give them much, and they didn’t give us much. They capitalized on their chances.”

Another hurdle for the Canucks is the targeted shutdown of Quinn Hughes. The reigning Norris Trophy winner has been a linchpin for Vancouver’s offense, but opponents have started to neutralize his influence.

A Tale of Two Teams

Saturday’s game marks the second meeting between these teams this season. The Canucks edged the Senators 4-3 in a thrilling encounter on November 23 in Ottawa. This time, however, the stakes feel higher, with the Senators surging and the Canucks struggling to find form.

Ottawa, eager to end a seven-year playoff drought, has been making bold moves under general manager Steve Staios. The acquisition of Ullmark and other offseason adjustments have reignited hope for a playoff berth.

Vancouver, meanwhile, hopes to recapture the momentum that propelled them to the playoffs last year after missing seven of the previous eight seasons.

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What to Watch For

1. Senators’ Offense: Can Ottawa maintain their scoring touch, led by Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle, against a Vancouver defense that has shown cracks?
2. Ullmark’s Dominance: Will Ullmark extend his winning streak, or will the Canucks find a way past him?
3. Hughes vs. Senators’ Defense: Can Quinn Hughes shake off the extra attention and reassert his offensive influence?

The game promises an exciting clash of styles: Ottawa’s surging confidence versus Vancouver’s determination to rebound.

Conclusion

As the Senators continue their record-setting road trip, their momentum and Ullmark’s brilliance make them a formidable opponent. For the Canucks, overcoming recent struggles and regaining their edge will be crucial. Saturday’s matchup is more than just a game—it’s a litmus test for two teams at pivotal points in their seasons.

Don’t miss this thrilling all-Canadian showdown as the Senators look to extend their winning streak and the Canucks fight to get back on track!