Senators Seek Another Measured Win, Predators Lean on Saros
Stützle faces Josi’s group and Saros, while Forsberg and Stamkos eye transition looks; Ottawa guards its Atlantic perch, Nashville chases a berth.
Written before the game
Ottawa has been winning by keeping games tidy and finishing enough of its looks; that profile meets a Nashville team leaning on elite goaltending and name-brand finishers. The red flag for the Predators: their chances allowed have been more dangerous than what they create — 3.78 expected goals against versus 2.8 for (expected goals is how dangerous the chances were). If that gap holds, they’ll need Juuse Saros to erase mistakes.
For matchups, Tim Stützle’s pace-driving line tests Roman Josi’s exits and Saros’ patience, while Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos are the predators to watch on broken plays. Ottawa’s power play just produced the game-deciding goal from Carter Yakemchuk.
Standings context matters early: Ottawa sits first in the Atlantic and fourth in the East at 3-1-0, a chance to bank more cushion at home. Nashville is fifth in the Central and the West’s fourth wild-card; points on the road keep that foothold from slipping.
