Game Details
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (home game for Ottawa Senators)
Broadcast: ESPN+, TSN5, Fubo (live stream available)
This Metropolitan vs. Atlantic Division matchup features the high-flying Carolina Hurricanes visiting the Ottawa Senators in a game that could impact playoff positioning. Carolina enters as road favorites, boasting one of the league’s best offenses, while Ottawa looks to capitalize on home ice and recent resilience despite injuries. Expect a fast-paced contest with potential for special teams to decide the outcome
Carolina leads the Metropolitan Division with elite puck possession and scoring depth. Ottawa sits lower in the Atlantic but has shown upside with young talent, though injuries have hampered consistency
Recent Team Forms
Carolina has been consistent, going 3-0-1 in their past four, while Ottawa has alternated wins and losses. Here’s a summary of their last five games (most recent first):
Carolina Hurricanes (Form: L-W-W-L-W):
Jan 22 vs. Chicago Blackhawks: 3-4 SO Loss (Outlasted in shootout; strong even-strength play but penalty kill faltered)
Jan 19 vs. Buffalo Sabres: 2-1 Win (Defensive masterclass; Kochetkov 28 saves).
Jan 17 at New Jersey Devils: 4-1 Win (Balanced scoring; power play clicked)
Jan 15 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: 2-3 Loss (Close battle; overtime defeat).
Jan 13 vs. New York Rangers: 5-2 Win (Dominant third period; Aho multi-point game).
The Hurricanes average 3.4 goals per game in this stretch, with a 3-1-1 record. Their goaltending tandem has been stellar, but recent shootout losses highlight finishing issues
Ottawa Senators (Form: L-W-L-W-L):
Jan 22 at Nashville Predators: 3-5 Loss (Stamkos hat trick for NSH; Senators stormed back but fell short)
Jan 20 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: 4-3 Win (Clutch comeback; Tkachuk game-winner).
Jan 17 vs. Detroit Red Wings: 3-4 Loss (Power play struggles; close road-like home feel).
Jan 14 at New York Rangers: 5-2 Win (Tkachuk 4 points; eased past Rangers)
Jan 10 vs. Florida Panthers: 2-3 Loss (Tight defensive game; overtime heartbreaker).
The Senators are 2-3 in their last five, averaging 3.2 goals per game. They’ve shown come-from-behind grit but have been inconsistent, especially with injuries mounting
Series History
The Hurricanes and Senators have met 119 times all-time (regular season), with Carolina holding a 65-43-8-3 edge. Regular Season Head-to-Head: Carolina leads 65-43-11, with an average combined score of 5.9 goals per game. Recent History: Carolina is 6-3 SU in the last 9 meetings.
Ottawa has won 3 of the last 5 at home. Most Recent Meeting: April 17, 2025 – Senators 7-5 win (High-scoring affair; Ottawa pulled away late). Trends: Games often go under (4 of Carolina’s last 5 road games under), but recent head-to-heads average 6.5 goals. No playoff meetings between these franchises. This series typically features competitive play, with Carolina’s structure clashing against Ottawa’s speed.
Injury Report
Carolina Hurricanes:
Shayne Gostisbehere (D): Day-to-day (lower body; expected to skate soon, possible return Jan 24)
Eric Robinson (F): Out (upper body; expected return Feb 26)
Noah Philp (F): Out (concussion protocol)
No other major absences; stars like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov are healthy.
Ottawa Senators:
David Perron (LW): Out 5-7 weeks (sports hernia surgery)
Linus Ullmark (G): Injured Reserve (practiced Jan 16; status unclear, possible return soon)
No other significant issues reported; key players like Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle are available.
Carolina’s depth helps mitigate losses, but Ottawa’s forward group is thinned without Perron.
Key Player Matchups
This game will spotlight offensive stars and defensive efforts. Here are the critical battles:
Sebastian Aho (Carolina, C) vs. Tim Stützle (Ottawa, C): Aho’s playmaking (projected 80+ points) and two-way game face Stützle’s speed and scoring (25+ goals). This center matchup could dictate pace and possession
Andrei Svechnikov (Carolina, RW) vs. Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa, LW): Svechnikov’s physicality and shot test Tkachuk’s leadership and net-front presence (recent 4-point game). Expect intensity along the boards.
Pyotr Kochetkov (Carolina, G) vs. Anton Forsberg (Ottawa, G): Kochetkov’s recent hot streak (sub-2.00 GAA) vs. Forsberg stepping up amid Ullmark’s absence. Goaltending could be the difference in a tight game.
Jack Drury (Carolina, C) vs. Shane Pinto (Ottawa, C): Secondary centers battle for depth scoring; both have shown clutch ability in recent wins.
Carolina’s balanced attack gives them an edge, but Ottawa’s youth could exploit any defensive lapses
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Betting Trends
Carolina Hurricanes: 3-0-1 in last 4 games; 6-3 SU vs. Ottawa in last 9. Under in 4 of last 5 road games, averaging 5.2 total goals. ATS: 7-3 in last 10 as favorites. Ottawa Senators: 4-1 SU in last 5 overall (mixed sources); over in 30 of 50 games this season. 4-1 in last 5 games, but 2-3 ATS recently. Strong as underdogs (5-1 last 6). Head-to-Head Trends: Carolina 6-3 in last 9; over in 3 of last 5 (average 6.5 goals). Ottawa +1.5 hits 70% in home matchups. League trend: Eastern Conference games in January 2026 trend under 55% due to defensive focus.
Game Odds
Carolina Hurricanes – 125
Ottawa Senators 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
