Venue: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario
Broadcast: Sportsnet, TSN/RDS (local), ESPN+
The Pittsburgh Penguins (14-9-9) visit the Ottawa Senators (15-13-4) in the first of two meetings this season. Pittsburgh relies on veteran stars amid inconsistencies, while Ottawa builds momentum at home with balanced scoring and improved structure. The Senators enter as moderate home favorites in a potential low-scoring, physical affair.
Injury Report (As of Thursday Afternoon)
Pittsburgh Penguins:
Evgeni Malkin (upper body): Out (expected until at least Dec. 20)
Blake Lizotte (upper body): IR
Several depth players managing minor issues; Sidney Crosby, Erik Karlsson, and Kris Letang fully available. Tristan Jarry or Alex Nedeljkovic likely in net.
Ottawa Senators:
Lars Eller (broken foot): Out (at least three weeks)
Thomas Chabot (upper body): Out
Shane Pinto (lower body/recovery): Out or limited
David Savard (lower body): Day-to-day, likely out
Core forwards Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, Claude Giroux, and Drake Batherson healthy; Linus Ullmark or Anton Forsberg projected starter.
Penguins miss Malkin’s playmaking; Senators’ blue line depth tested, potentially aiding Pittsburgh’s transition game.
Key Player Matchups
Sidney Crosby vs. Nick Suzuki/Top Lines — Crosby’s elite two-way play and scoring (~1.5 PPG pace) vs. Suzuki’s faceoff strength and checking; Ottawa’s top line aims to limit Crosby’s ice control.
Erik Karlsson vs. Senators Forwards (Tkachuk, Stützle) — Karlsson’s offensive joins and puck-moving vs. Ottawa’s physical forecheck; Batherson’s net-front presence could exploit gaps.
Drake Batherson vs. Penguins Defense (Letang, Marcus Pettersson) — Batherson’s recent hot streak (multi-point games) tests Pittsburgh’s slot coverage.
Goaltending Battle — Jarry/Nedeljkovic (inconsistent lately) vs. Ullmark/Forsberg (strong home splits); save percentage on high-danger chances pivotal.
Power Play vs. Penalty Kill — Pittsburgh’s veteran PP (Crosby/Karlsson) vs. Ottawa’s aggressive PK; discipline key in tight game.
Expect structured, defensive hockey with bursts from stars; physicality along boards could create odd-man rushes.
Team Records and Standings Context
Pittsburgh Penguins: 14-9-9 (Mid-pack Metropolitan Division). Veteran core keeping them competitive; playoff contenders but prone to blown leads.
Ottawa Senators: 15-13-4 (Wildcard spot Atlantic Division). Improved balance and youth integration; strong home record driving recent success.
Recent Team Form
Penguins: Struggling with 3-3-4 in last 10, including blown leads and OT/SO losses. Offensive flashes from Crosby line but defensive lapses allowing 3.5+ goals recently; road trip underway with mixed results.
Senators: Hot with 7-2-1 in last 10, including strong home wins (e.g., multi-goal victories). Limiting opponents under 3 goals in wins; Batherson and Tkachuk leading surge.
Ottawa confident at home; Pittsburgh seeking reset amid skid.
Series History
All-Time Regular Season: Penguins lead ~62-36-9 (including ties).
Recent (Last 10): Split 5-5; often close, low-scoring affairs with OT decisions.
2025-26 Season: First meeting.
At Canadian Tire Centre: Senators strong lately (won 6 of last 8 vs. Penguins); crowd energy a factor.
Betting Trends
Senators strong ATS at home (~12-5); profitable as moderate favorites.
Penguins mixed as road underdogs; unders trending in their recent games.
Sharp action on regulation close outcome.
Game Odds
Pittsburgh Penguins 6.5
Ottawa Senators – 166
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, December 17, 2025
