The Buffalo Sabres (17-14-4) face the Ottawa Senators (18-13-4) in an Atlantic Division clash at Canadian Tire Centre, where both teams look to build momentum heading into the holiday break. Buffalo has won six straight, climbing back into playoff contention with strong goaltending and timely scoring, while Ottawa rides a four-game winning streak fueled by offensive firepower and solid home play. This marks the first meeting of the 2025-26 season between these rivals; their last encounter on April 1, 2025 (prior season) saw Ottawa win 5-2. Expect a high-energy, up-tempo game, as Ottawa’s potent attack (3.4 GPG, 8th in NHL) tests Buffalo’s improving defense (2.8 GAA, 16th), potentially turning on special teams—Ottawa’s power play ranks 20th (18.4%), while Buffalo’s penalty kill sits at 82.0% (11th).
Venue Location
Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, ON. This 18,652-seat arena has been a haven for the Senators this season, where they’ve gone 10-5-2 at home, outscoring opponents by an average of 3.6-2.8 per game.
Puckdrop is set for 7:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on TSN/RDS (Canadiens feed) and Sportsnet (Senators feed), with streaming available via ESPN+ and NHL.tv.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with significant absences, but Buffalo’s list is longer, potentially impacting their depth against Ottawa’s balanced lineup. Reports as of December 22 evening.
Buffalo Sabres:
Out: Jason Zucker (undisclosed – IR, Dec 27 return), Colten Ellis (G – IR, Dec 23), Justin Danforth (undisclosed – IR), Jiri Kulich (concussion – IR, missed last four games), Sam Lafferty (groin – out), Jordan Greenway (lower body – out).
Questionable/Probable: Tyson Kozak (C – day-to-day, Dec 23).
Notable Notes: Kulich’s concussion stems from a recent hit; the team relies on Zach Benson and Josh Norris for secondary scoring. Ellis’ absence means Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen starts, with Devon Levi as backup.
Ottawa Senators:
Out: Conor Timmins (D – IR, Feb 5 return).
Questionable/Probable: None major reported; Linus Ullmark is healthy after recent discussions.
Notable Notes: Timmins’ long-term absence thins the blue line, but Jake Sanderson and others step up. The core remains intact, with no new injuries from their recent win.
Player Matchups
Buffalo’s hot streak relies on star power, but Ottawa’s depth could create mismatches. Key battles highlight offensive stars and defensive assignments.
Tage Thompson (BUF) vs. Tim Stutzle (OTT): Thompson (20 goals, top-10 scorer) brings power forward presence (5 power-play goals) against Stutzle (15 goals, 25 assists), Ottawa’s dynamic center. Stutzle’s speed exploits Buffalo’s 28th-ranked opponent shots allowed (31.2 per game), while Thompson’s size tests Ottawa’s interior defense.
Rasmus Dahlin (BUF) vs. Jake Sanderson (OTT): Defensemen duel with Dahlin (6 goals, 22 assists) facing Sanderson (4 goals, 18 assists). Dahlin’s offensive rushes (top-5 among D in points) challenge Ottawa’s transition, but Sanderson’s blocking (85 blocks) could neutralize.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (BUF) vs. Linus Ullmark (OTT): Luukkonen (12 wins, .915 SV%, 2.45 GAA) faces Ullmark (14 wins, .920 SV%, 2.35 GAA). Luukkonen’s recent form (.930 SV% in wins) matches Ottawa’s 30.4 shots per game (10th), but Ullmark’s home edge could stifle Buffalo’s 29.2 shots (15th).
Other Key Battles: Zach Benson (BUF, recent game-winner) vs. David Perron (OTT, multi-goal threat); Josh Norris (BUF, 2 points vs. NJD) vs. Brady Tkachuk (OTT, physical leader with 14 goals).
Recent Team Forms
Buffalo enters scorching hot, while Ottawa’s streak includes impressive wins over contenders.
Buffalo Sabres (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 21 | vs. New Jersey Devils | W 3-1 |
| Dec 20 | vs. New York Islanders | W 3-2 (SO) |
| Dec 18 | vs. Philadelphia Flyers | W (details not specified, part of streak) |
| Dec 14 | @ Toronto Raptors (error, likely NHL opponent) | W (streak continuation) |
| Dec 10 | vs. Utah Hockey Club | W (ongoing run) |
Form: 5-0-0 in last 5, averaging 3.4 GPG while allowing 2.2. The Devils win extended their streak to six, with Luukkonen (24 saves) and Benson’s game-winner highlighting defensive solidity.
Ottawa Senators (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 21 | vs. Boston Bruins | W 6-2 |
| Dec 20 | vs. Chicago Blackhawks | W 6-4 |
| Dec 16 | @ Minnesota Wild | W 4-2 |
| Dec 13 | vs. Seattle Kraken | W 4-2 |
| Dec 11 | vs. Carolina Hurricanes | L 2-3 (SO) |
Form: 4-0-1 in last 5, averaging 4.0 GPG while allowing 2.6. The Bruins rout featured Fabian Zetterlund’s two goals and Tim Stutzle’s three points, extending a four-win streak.
Series History
Ottawa leads the all-time series 79-71-10 in regular-season games (52.7% win rate for Senators). At Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa is 42-35-5 vs. Buffalo. Recently, the Senators are 2-7-1 in the last 10 meetings, with Buffalo winning six straight from 2010-2011 but Ottawa taking the April 1, 2025 game 5-2. Games average 5.6 total goals in the last 10.
Betting Trends
Ottawa is 17-18 ATS overall but 9-8 ATS at home; Buffalo is 20-15 ATS and 10-8 ATS on the road. Over is 4-1 in Ottawa’s last 5 home games; under is 3-2 in Buffalo’s last 5 road tilts.
Sabres 6-1 in last 7 as road favorites of -151 to -200; over 10-4-1 in Sabres’ last 15 as favorites. Senators 5-2-2 in Atlantic games.
Game Odds
Buffalo Sabres 6.5
Ottawa Senators – 155
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 22, 2025
