Columbus Blue Jackets vs Ottawa Senators Picks and Predictions for Monday December 29 2025
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The Columbus Blue Jackets travel north of the border on Monday night to face the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Columbus enters this matchup playing some of its best hockey of the season, while Ottawa looks to stabilize after a mixed stretch against Eastern Conference opponents. From a betting perspective, this is a matchup where recent form and goaltending availability play a major role in shaping the outlook. Check out all of our free NHL picks.
Columbus Blue Jackets Finding Rhythm on the Road
Columbus Blue Jackets come into this game with a 16-15-6 overall record and an 8-9-3 mark away from home. While those road numbers are not dominant, recent performances suggest a team gaining confidence. Columbus has won three of its last five games, including a convincing 4–2 home win over the Islanders followed by a strong 3–1 road victory against Los Angeles.
The Blue Jackets are not a low-event team. They average 2.89 goals per game but allow 3.44, which keeps them involved in higher-scoring contests. Shot volume is a defining trait, as Columbus averages over 30 shots per game, but defensive coverage and penalty killing remain concerns. Even so, momentum is trending upward, and the Jackets have shown they can win away from home when they control pace early.
Ottawa Senators Home Edge with Key Absences
Ottawa Senators sit at 18-14-5 overall with an 8-6-3 home record, making Canadian Tire Centre a modest advantage. Offensively, Ottawa has been productive, averaging 3.27 goals per game, but defensive consistency has lagged behind, as reflected in a 3.24 goals-against average.
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Injuries loom large in this matchup, particularly in net. With Linus Ullmark listed as out, Ottawa’s goaltending depth becomes a critical factor. The Senators have gone 3–2 in their last five games, including wins over Boston, Chicago, and Pittsburgh, but also losses to Toronto and Buffalo. Ottawa can score in bunches, but when games turn into track meets, defensive lapses often appear.
Goaltending Comparison and Game Flow
Columbus has received steadier goaltending recently from Jet Greaves, who holds a 2.69 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. While not elite, those numbers are serviceable behind a team that prefers to push the pace. Elvis Merzlikins has struggled more, which makes goaltending confirmation worth monitoring closer to puck drop.
Ottawa’s situation is less settled. With Ullmark unavailable, the Senators are relying on less consistent options, and that uncertainty could tilt the balance in a game where Columbus is likely to generate volume shots. If Ottawa cannot control rebounds and defensive-zone exits, pressure will mount quickly.
Matchup Dynamics and Betting Angles
This game profiles as a higher-tempo contest. Both teams average close to three goals per game and give up more than they would like defensively. Columbus’ recent form and shot generation suggest value as an underdog, particularly if they can strike first and force Ottawa to open up.
Special teams could also be decisive. Ottawa’s power play is efficient, but Columbus’ penalty kill has been vulnerable, creating volatility on both sides. That combination often leads to swings in momentum rather than sustained control by either team.
Final Score Prediction
Columbus Blue Jackets 4, Ottawa Senators 3
Columbus’ recent confidence, combined with Ottawa’s goaltending uncertainty, gives the Blue Jackets a slight edge in a fast-paced game. Expect scoring chances on both sides, with Columbus doing just enough to pull off the road upset. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for the Blue Jackets with the Thrillz promo code. Make the most of your bets on the Senators by using the sportsbook promos. Make sure when you place your Senators vs Blue Jackets bet you are using the bet365 bonus code.
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