The 2025-26 NHL season delivers an interconference matchup between the struggling Chicago Blackhawks and the resurgent Ottawa Senators. Chicago, hampered by injuries and a rebuild, seeks to snap a four-game losing streak amid poor defensive play, while Ottawa rides a two-game winning streak and looks to solidify its playoff positioning in the Atlantic Division. With Ottawa’s home dominance and Chicago’s road woes, this afternoon clash could hinge on special teams and goaltending, potentially low-scoring given recent trends for both squads.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. This 18,500-seat arena has been the Senators’ home since 1996 and is known for its lively atmosphere, especially during matinee games.
Puck drop is set for 3:00 PM ET. The game will be available on ESPN+, with local broadcasts on NBC Sports Chicago for Blackhawks fans and TSN5/RDS for Senators viewers.
Team Records
Chicago Blackhawks: 13-15-6 (32 points), 7th in the Central Division.
Ottawa Senators: 16-13-4 (36 points), 5th in the Atlantic Division.
Recent Team Forms
Chicago is mired in a four-game losing streak, most recently falling 4-1 to the Montreal Canadiens on December 18, where they were outshot and struggled offensively without key players. Prior defeats include a 4-0 shutout loss to the Detroit Red Wings on December 13, a 7-1 blowout to the Anaheim Ducks on December 7, and others earlier in the month. Over their last five games, the Blackhawks have averaged 1.8 goals for and 4.2 against, with a power play at 15% and penalty kill at 75%, highlighting defensive breakdowns and inefficiency in transition.
Ottawa has turned things around with a two-game winning streak, blanking the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-0 on December 18 behind strong goaltending. They previously edged the Winnipeg Jets 3-2 in overtime on December 15, following a 4-3 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild on December 13. In their last five, the Senators have averaged 2.8 goals for and 2.4 against, with a power play at 25% and penalty kill at 82%, showing improved defensive structure and timely scoring from their top lines.
| Team | Last 5 Games | Streak | Goals For/Against (Last 5) | PP% (Season) | PK% (Season) |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 1-4-0 | L4 | 9/21 | 18.2% | 78.6% |
| Ottawa Senators | 3-1-1 | W2 | 14/12 | 22.4% | 80.5% |
Series History
Chicago holds a historical edge over Ottawa, leading the all-time regular-season series 32-12-2 (71.7% win rate). In 46 meetings, the Blackhawks have won 22 of 23 at home against the Senators but have a more balanced road record. Recently, Chicago is 8-1-1 in their last 10 against Ottawa, including dominant wins. Games average 5.8 goals in recent encounters, with the home team winning 70% of the time. This is the first of two matchups this season, with a rematch scheduled later in 2026.
Injury Report
Chicago Blackhawks: Forward Connor Bedard (Out – Shoulder injury/upper-body, on IR since December 12; reevaluated in January, missing rest of 2025). Three players total listed on the injury report, significantly impacting offensive depth and forcing reliance on secondary scorers.
Ottawa Senators: Defenseman Thomas Chabot (Questionable – Upper-body, set to return this weekend after recent absence). Forward Brady Tkachuk (Cleared – Earlier injury concerns resolved). The Senators are relatively healthy, with Chabot’s potential return bolstering the blue line.
Player Matchups
Without Bedard, Chicago’s offense leans on veterans, while Ottawa’s balanced attack could exploit mismatches:
Teuvo Teravainen (CHI, LW) vs. Tim Stützle (OTT, C): Teravainen (12 goals, playmaking) steps up as Chicago’s top forward, but Stützle (15 goals, 20 assists) brings speed and vision to control the neutral zone.
Frank Nazar (CHI, C) vs. Brady Tkachuk (OTT, LW): Nazar (emerging rookie, 8 goals) faces Tkachuk’s physicality (14 goals, leadership), a battle for net-front dominance.
Seth Jones (CHI, D) vs. Claude Giroux (OTT, RW): Jones (+5, 18 points) anchors Chicago’s defense against Giroux’s veteran savvy (10 goals, 22 assists).
Arvid Söderblom (CHI, G) vs. Linus Ullmark (OTT, G): Söderblom (2.85 GAA) vs. Ullmark (2.45 GAA, recent shutout), in a goaltending duel where Ottawa’s edge could shine.
Ottawa’s depth gives them the advantage in most matchups.
Betting Trends
Ottawa has been strong at home, going 4-1 ATS in their last five, with the under hitting in 60% of games due to solid goaltending (allowing 2.4 goals average lately). As favorites, they’re 11-11 overall but 6-3 at Canadian Tire Centre. Chicago is 3-6-1 ATS in their last 10, struggling as underdogs (4-7 ATS on the road), with the over cashing in 55% amid defensive lapses. Head-to-head, Chicago is 8-1-1 straight up in the last 10, but Ottawa covers 60% at home in the series. League-wide December trends favor unders in 52% of games involving injury-hit teams like Chicago.
Game Odds
Chicago Blackhawks 5.5
Ottawa Senators – 265
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 19, 2025
