Chicago Blackhawks vs Ottawa Senators Picks & Predictions Saturday December 20 2025
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The Chicago Blackhawks vs Ottawa Senators showdown arrives at a critical point in the 2025-26 NHL season. Both clubs are battling for consistency in the standings, with the Blackhawks hoping to overcome key injuries on the road and the Senators looking to capitalize on their home ice. Bettors can find deeper insights and game-day breakdowns through our Free NHL picks before placing their wagers.
Chicago Blackhawks: Current Form and Offensive Challenges
The Chicago Blackhawks enter this road game with a 13-15-6 record overall and 6-9-3 away. Their last five games reflect struggles: a 4-1 loss at Montreal on December 18, a 3-2 defeat at Toronto on December 16, a 4-0 win versus Detroit on December 13, a 3-2 loss at St. Louis on December 12, and a 3-0 victory against the New York Rangers on December 10. They're averaging 2.82 goals for per game while allowing 3.00, with 25.5 shots for and 30.2 against.
Offensively, Connor Bedard has been the standout with 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists), including 5 power-play goals on 103 shots, but he's on IR until January 1—a massive blow. The power play sits at 21.3%, converting 20 opportunities, while the penalty kill is strong at 83.9%. Goaltending leans on Spencer Knight (10-9-5, 2.55 GAA, .914 SV%) over Arvid Soderblom (3-6-1, 3.84 GAA, .876 SV%). Injuries compound issues with Nick Foligno on IR (return December 20) and Shea Weber LTIR.
Without Bedard, depth scoring will be tested against Ottawa's defense. The Blackhawks' recent wins show shutdown potential (shutouts and low-scoring victories), but road form (6-9-3) and high shots against (30.2) signal vulnerability. Their 20 power-play goals could be key if they draw penalties.
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Ottawa Senators: Building Home Momentum
The Ottawa Senators come in at 16-13-4 overall and 7-6-2 at home. Their last five: a 4-0 win over Pittsburgh on December 18, a 3-2 overtime victory at Winnipeg on December 15, a 3-2 loss at Minnesota on December 13, a 6-3 win at Columbus on December 11, and a 4-3 victory versus New Jersey on December 9. They're scoring 3.06 goals per game but allowing 3.25, with 27.6 shots for and 25.6 against.
Tim Stutzle leads with 34 points (15 goals, 19 assists), including 5 power-play tallies on 84 shots. The power play is potent at 25.5% (26 goals), but the penalty kill lags at 70.5%. Linus Ullmark anchors net (13-8-4, 3.00 GAA, .884 SV%), supported by Leevi Merilainen (3-5-0, 3.32 GAA, .877 SV%). Injuries include Lars Eller out until January 7, Thomas Chabot on IR (return December 20), and Shane Pinto on IR (December 20).
Home play has been average (7-6-2), but recent wins show offensive pop. The Senators' shot volume (27.6) and power play could exploit Chicago's absences.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Ottawa Senators: Key Matchup Breakdown
This game contrasts Chicago's defensive resilience (when healthy) against Ottawa's offensive push. Without Bedard, the Blackhawks' attack dips significantly, relying on secondary scoring against Ottawa's leaky penalty kill (70.5%). Ottawa's power play (25.5%) faces Chicago's strong PK (83.9%), but home ice could tilt physical battles.
Goaltending edges to Knight's .914 SV% over Ullmark's .884, but volume favors Ottawa (27.6 S/G vs. Chicago's 25.5). Special teams and injuries make Ottawa the tempo controller.
Betting Trends and Over/Under Outlook
Stats point to potential Overs with Ottawa's 3.25 GA/G and Chicago's road struggles. Combined GF/G (5.88) suggests scoring, but Chicago's low 2.82 GF/G without Bedard leans Under. Recent games mixed—Chicago with shutouts and low totals, Ottawa with higher-scoring wins.
Lines imply Ottawa favored at home (+1 on Chicago), total likely 6.0 given averages.
Game-Changing Factors
Bedard's absence is huge for Chicago—44 points lost. Ottawa's injuries (Chabot, Pinto questionable) thin defense, but home energy helps. Goaltending stability from Knight vs. Ullmark's inconsistency. Physicality and power play execution key.
Key Players to Watch
Stutzle (34P, 15G) drives Ottawa; Chicago leans on committee without Bedard (19G out). Knight's .914 SV% critical. Injuries impact Foligno (IR) for Chicago, Eller/Chabot/Pinto for Ottawa.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Ottawa Senators Pick and Prediction
I'm siding with the Ottawa Senators here. Chicago is severely handicapped without Connor Bedard—their offense drops off a cliff, averaging under 3 goals already, and on the road against a Senators team that's scoring 3.06 per game. Ottawa's power play (25.5%) should feast on any penalties, and even with injuries, their home form and shot volume give them the edge. Knight is solid, but facing 27.6 shots with a depleted lineup wears down. Betting on sports and on Blackhawks is easy, but even easier if you use the best sportsbooks. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for the Sentaors with the social sportsbooks. Getting the most out of your bets on Blackhawks vs Senators can be done by using the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
My main play is Ottawa moneyline—I'd lay up to -140. Prop lean: Tim Stutzle over 3.5 shots on goal; he's consistent and will see heavy minutes.
Pick: Ottawa Senators Moneyline
Lean: Tim Stutzle Over 3.5 Shots on Goal
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