The 2025-26 NHL season features an inter-conference clash between the struggling Winnipeg Jets, mired in a seven-game losing streak and fighting to stay in the Western Conference playoff race, and the Ottawa Senators, who are holding steady in the Eastern Conference with a recent win streak at home. The Jets, led by Mark Scheifele’s playmaking, seek to snap their skid on the road, while the Senators aim to capitalize on their strong special teams and depth scoring from players like Brady Tkachuk. This matchup at Canadian Tire Centre could turn on goaltending, with Ottawa’s depth tested amid absences and Winnipeg’s offense needing to break through against a structured Senators defense.
Venue Location
Canadian Tire Centre, located in Kanata, Ontario, Canada (part of the Ottawa metropolitan area). This multi-purpose arena has a capacity of approximately 18,652 for hockey and serves as the home rink for the Ottawa Senators.
Puckdrop is scheduled for
7:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. CT, 4:00 p.m. PT).
Injury Report
Winnipeg Jets: Defenseman Haydn Fleury is on injured reserve (IR) with an undisclosed injury and remains out indefinitely. No other major injuries reported entering the game, though the team has managed minor ailments throughout their losing streak.
Ottawa Senators: Goaltender Linus Ullmark is out indefinitely on a leave of absence for personal reasons. Forward Lars Eller is on IR with a foot injury and out indefinitely. Defenseman Thomas Chabot is out with an upper-body injury. Forward Michael Amadio is sidelined with an undisclosed issue. These absences could impact Ottawa’s depth, particularly in net and on the blue line.
Key Player Matchups
This game spotlights Winnipeg’s offensive leaders against Ottawa’s physical forwards and defensive structure, with injuries forcing adjustments to secondary lines.
Mark Scheifele (WPG, F) vs. Brady Tkachuk (OTT, F): Scheifele, leading the Jets in points and assists, brings vision and scoring touch. Tkachuk’s physicality and net-front presence (team leader in hits) must disrupt Winnipeg’s cycle to limit possession.
Kyle Connor (WPG, F) vs. Tim Stützle (OTT, F): Connor’s sniper shot (team-high in goals) faces Stützle’s speed and two-way play, key for transition battles and power-play opportunities.
Gabriel Vilardi (WPG, F) vs. Jake Sanderson (OTT, D): Vilardi’s assists and secondary scoring test Sanderson’s shutdown defense, potentially deciding odd-man rushes and zone entries.
Connor Hellebuyck (WPG, G) vs. Drake Batherson (OTT, F): Hellebuyck, Winnipeg’s starter amid their skid, must contain Batherson’s shot volume, especially with Ullmark out shifting Ottawa’s attack.
Recent Team Forms
Winnipeg Jets: The Jets are 0-4-1 in their last five games, extending a seven-game losing streak overall. Recent results: Jan 1 L (vs. Toronto, details indicate blowout lead lost); Dec 31 L; Dec 29 L; Dec 27 L; Dec 23 L (part of 1-6-3 last 10). They’ve been outscored 20-12 in this stretch, struggling with defensive breakdowns and low offensive output.
Ottawa Senators: The Senators are 3-1-1 in their last five, showing resilience with a recent home win. Recent results: Jan 1 W 4-3 vs. WSH; Dec 31 L 1-5 vs. PIT (mixed reports); Dec 29 W 4-3 vs. MIN; Dec 27 W 7-5 vs. OTT? (wait, self-game error; likely vs. TOR or BUF); Dec 22 L 3-4 at TOR. Outscored 18-16 recently, they’ve emphasized comeback wins and special teams.
Series History
The Senators hold a slight all-time edge with 43 wins to the Jets’ 39 in 84 meetings, including 2 draws. Winnipeg has a 39-42-2-1 record overall against Ottawa. In the last 10 games, the teams have split evenly, but Winnipeg is 5-1 SU in their last 6 road games against Ottawa. Games often feature low scoring, with the under hitting in recent encounters, and road teams winning 50% since 2020.
Betting Trends
Winnipeg is 1-6-3 ATS in their last 10 games and 0-5 SU during their losing streak, with the under hitting in 4 of their last 6 (averaging 5.4 goals). On the road, they’re 5-1 SU in their last 6 against Ottawa but 2-8 ATS overall away. Ottawa is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games and 3-2 SU recently, with the over going 3-2 (averaging 6.0 goals). Head-to-head, the under has hit in 6 of the last 9 meetings (average 5.2 goals), and favorites cover 55% in this series.
Game Odds
Winnipeg Jets 5.5
Ottawa Senators – 135
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 2, 2026
