The Vegas Golden Knights (25-13-12) face off against the Ottawa Senators (23-20-7) in an inter-conference battle as Vegas looks to build on a recent road win, while Ottawa aims to rebound from a tough loss and end a long drought against the Knights. With both teams dealing with key injuries, this could be a gritty, high-scoring affair at a venue known for its passionate crowds. Vegas enters as favorites, but Ottawa’s home ice and offensive spark could make it competitive.
Venue Location
The game will take place at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. This 18,500-capacity arena, home to the Senators since 1996, features modern amenities and a lively atmosphere, often boosting the home team’s energy in close games.
Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. EST (2:00 p.m. PST)
TV/Streaming: Available on NHL Network, Sportsnet, and regional broadcasts; streaming via ESPN+ and other platforms.
Injury Report
Injuries are a major storyline, with Vegas missing several core pieces long-term and Ottawa dealing with absences in forward and goaltending depth. Updates as of January 24, 2026:
Vegas Golden Knights:
William Karlsson (C): Undisclosed injury; out indefinitely, placed on IR earlier in January.
Brayden McNabb (D): Undisclosed; out until after the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Carter Hart (G): Non-contact injury; out indefinitely since January 8.
Brett Howden (C): Upper-body injury; out, last updated January 20.
Cole Reinhardt (LW): Illness; questionable for January 25.
Adin Hill (G): Undisclosed; on IR, could extend into 2026.
Jakub Demek (C): Undisclosed; on non-roster injured list, expected return late January.
Ottawa Senators:
David Perron (LW): Sports hernia; out 5-7 weeks following surgery, announced January 22.
Linus Ullmark (G): Personal/undisclosed; out but getting closer to return, per coach; Mads Sogaard recalled as backup.
Vegas’s depth is tested without key veterans, potentially relying on Akira Schmid in net, while Ottawa’s forward group lacks Perron’s experience, putting pressure on younger players.
Key Player Matchups
This matchup highlights offensive stars against defensive challenges:
Jack Eichel (VGK) vs. Brady Tkachuk (OTT): Eichel’s playmaking (recent multi-point games) against Tkachuk’s physicality and scoring touch; Tkachuk reached 200 career goals recently.
Mark Stone (VGK) vs. Jake Sanderson (OTT): Stone’s two-way game and recent hot streak (two goals vs. TOR) vs. Sanderson’s emerging defensive skills on the blue line.
Pavel Dorofeyev (VGK) vs. Tim Stützle (OTT): Dorofeyev’s goal-scoring (game-winner vs. NSH) against Stützle’s speed and creativity.
Goaltending: Akira Schmid (VGK) vs. Anton Forsberg (OTT): Schmid’s solid recent starts vs. Forsberg stepping up amid Ullmark’s absence. Watch for power plays: Vegas’s 26.49% efficiency could exploit Ottawa’s penalty kill.
Recent Team Forms
Vegas Golden Knights (Last 5 Games): 3-2-0
Jan 23 @ TOR: W 6-3 (Stone’s two goals led a strong offensive outburst)
Jan 22 @ BOS: L (Details sparse, but part of road trip struggles)
Jan 19 vs. PHI: L 1-2 (Tight defensive loss at home)
Jan 17 vs. NSH: W 7-2 (Dominant win, Dorofeyev GWG)
Jan 14 @ LAK: W (Solid road victory)
Vegas is 6-3-1 in their last 10, with a +17 goal differential overall, but injuries have led to inconsistency on the road (12-6-6).
Ottawa Senators (Last 5 Games): 2-2-1
Jan 22 @ NSH: L 3-5 (Blew a 3-0 lead, Stamkos hat trick for NSH)
Jan 15 vs. NYR: W (Per recap trends)
Jan 14 @ NYR: W 8-4 (Tkachuk’s milestone goal in blowout)
Jan 1: W 4-3 (New Year comeback win)
Earlier: Mixed results, point streak ended at 5 vs. NSH.
Ottawa is 5-4-1 in their last 10, showing offensive flair but defensive lapses, with a 10-12 ATS record.
Series History
Vegas dominates the all-time series with a 12-1-2 record against Ottawa in 15 meetings, including a 11/26/2025 win (4-3).
Ottawa’s lone wins came early in Vegas’s expansion era; the Knights have won 11 of the last 12, outscoring the Sens significantly. Ottawa is 3-11-1 overall vs. Vegas.
Betting Trends
Over has hit in 78% of projections, with Vegas games averaging high totals recently. Vegas is 62% favorites per simulations; 7-15 ATS lately. Ottawa 10-12 ATS, strong as home underdogs. Head-to-head: Vegas 12-3 ML in last 15.
Game Odds
Vegas Golden Knights – 135
Ottawa Senators 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 24, 2026
