Ottawa’s back-to-back 12-3 outscoring of Vegas and Colorado suggests a sudden heater; bettors could find short-term value on Senators moneyline or -1.5 puck-line bets against middling opponents, but backing long-term playoff futures remains risky with an eight-point gap to overcome.
Senators Ride Momentum After Back-to-Back Statement Wins
It’s a new vibe in Ottawa after consecutive dominant victories over the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche, outscoring those NHL contenders 12-3. The Senators remain eight points out of a playoff spot and need a 20-9-0 run to hit an estimated 97-point threshold, but the recent form provides cause for optimism and betting intrigue.
Coach’s Take and the Road Ahead
“I’m not afraid to say, our record probably should be better than what it is because of the way we play,” said head coach Travis Green. If Ottawa sustains the intensity from these games, the team could turn a long shot into a realistic push — though consistency will be the determining factor.
Shane Pinto: Elite Shutdown Work Against MacKinnon
Shane Pinto delivered a near-perfect defensive performance shadowing Nathan MacKinnon, logging heavy minutes and helping keep both MacKinnon and Cale Makar off the scoresheet. Pinto missed almost a month with a lower-body injury and has been regaining timing and legs; his ability to replicate that shutdown level is a major boost for Ottawa's matchup play.
Pinto’s Return Impact
Beyond the defensive benefit, Pinto’s presence steadies a line that has outperformed opponents in expected goals share. If Pinto continues to win those personal matchups, Ottawa’s chances of stealing points in tough games rise — a factor bettors should weigh in matchup-based wagers.
Ridly Greig and Nick Cousins: The Agitators Driving Results
Nick Cousins and Ridly Greig have embraced pest roles while producing strong underlying numbers. Cousins, recently moved onto Pinto’s line, and his line mates posted a 69 percent expected-goals share in the Colorado game. Cousins has improved his five-on-five metrics and delivered physical game moments that helped preserve wins.
Greig’s Scoring Run
Since early January, Greig has posted nine points in 10 games and forms a dangerous trio with Dylan Cozens and Brady Tkachuk that has dominated with a roughly 65 percent expected-goals share. That secondary scoring and agitation depth make Ottawa tougher to play against night-to-night.
Drake Batherson’s Slump and Adjustments
Drake Batherson has cooled after a torrid start, with eight points in 15 games since Dec. 29 and a recent five-game pointless stretch. His shooting percentage has regressed, and Batherson believes increasing shot volume will restore production. For the Senators to mount a playoff surge, Batherson rediscovering his form alongside Tim Stützle is crucial.
Penalty Kill Shakeup Shows Early Signs
The team replaced the assistant coach handling the penalty kill earlier this month, keeping the diamond structure but adding a different voice. The PK has killed five of six penalties since the change, a small-sample improvement that must hold up moving forward. Fewer penalties and a steadier PK will be necessary if Ottawa wants to climb the standings.
Goaltending Status: Ullmark’s Return Unclear
Linus Ullmark remains in the background while the organization manages his gradual return from a leave of absence for mental-health reasons. A trusted mentor and former coach has been brought in to help with the transition. “He’ll start when he’s ready to start,” the club said. Stability in net will be vital for any sustained run.
What This Means for Playoff Odds and Betting
The recent blowouts offer short-term betting opportunities: consider matchup and moneyline plays when Ottawa faces middling opponents, and look for value on puck-line markets if the Senators’ form continues.
Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer Running Away With Calder Race
However, their long-term playoff outlook still hinges on consistency, health and special-teams improvement — factors that keep futures wagers higher risk.
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