NHL · December 6, 2025
St. Louis Blues @ Ottawa Senators
Free LineCrush game report for St. Louis Blues @ Ottawa Senators on December 6, 2025, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.
Matchup Analysis
Hofer Gets the Nod for Struggling Blues
Joel Hofer will start in net for St. Louis after Jordan Binnington's recent struggles. Hofer brings a 3-5-2 record with a 3.29 GAA and .882 save percentage, marginally better than Binnington's .874 save percentage. However, facing an Ottawa team averaging 3.07 goals per game at home, Hofer will need to be sharper than his numbers suggest. The Blues' defensive unit has been porous, allowing 3.50 goals per game (29th in the league), putting enormous pressure on whoever stands between the pipes.
Thomas Returns to Spark Anemic Blues Offense
Robert Thomas will suit up after being day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, providing a crucial boost to a Blues offense ranked 30th in the NHL at just 2.54 goals per game. Thomas leads St. Louis with 17 points (4 goals, 13 assists) and is the team's primary playmaker. His return is vital given the Blues have scored just three total goals in their last two games combined. Alongside Jordan Kyrou (8 goals), Thomas will need to generate offense against a Senators defense allowing 3.33 goals per game.
Senators Look to Bounce Back at Home
Ottawa enters this matchup having lost three of their last four games, including a 4-2 home defeat to the Rangers on Thursday. However, the Senators boast an impressive trend: they've won each of their last eight games as home favorites following a home loss. At 6-4-2 at the Canadian Tire Centre this season, Ottawa has the home-ice advantage and superior offensive firepower. Tim Stützle leads with 24 points, Shane Pinto has 12 goals, and Jake Sanderson contributes 17 assists from the blue line.
Ullmark Aims for Redemption Against Reeling Blues
Linus Ullmark will start for Ottawa, bringing a 10-6-4 record but concerning numbers with a 3.05 GAA and .876 save percentage. While his statistics mirror the Blues' goaltending struggles, Ullmark faces a St. Louis offense that has been lifeless on the road (4-6-3) and ranks dead last in scoring. The Blues have lost eight of their last nine night games and have been particularly inept away from home, giving Ullmark a prime opportunity to right the ship after recent inconsistency.
Special Teams Could Decide Tight Contest
The power play battle favors Ottawa at 22.9% (10th in the league) compared to St. Louis at 18.7% (16th). However, both teams struggle on the penalty kill, with the Senators particularly vulnerable at 68.8% (31st in the league) and the Blues at 75.8% (27th). Given these weaknesses, special teams opportunities could significantly impact the outcome. The team that capitalizes on power play chances while staying disciplined may find the edge in what projects as a close game.
Blues Seeking Season Sweep Despite Road Woes
St. Louis won the first meeting between these teams 4-3 at home on November 28 and holds a dominant 7-3 record in the last 10 matchups. The Blues will look to complete the season sweep, but their road form presents major concerns. At 4-6-3 away from home and having dropped back-to-back games (5-2 to Boston, preceded by a loss to Anaheim), St. Louis has struggled to generate consistent offense or defensive stability on the road. The Senators' recent trend of success as home favorites after losses directly conflicts with the Blues' road struggles.
Defensive Vulnerabilities Create High-Scoring Potential
Both teams rank in the bottom third of the league defensively, with St. Louis tied for 29th (3.50 GA/G) and Ottawa 23rd (3.33 GA/G). The Senators have seen the over hit in each of their last five games, while seven of the Blues' last eight night games went under. However, with both goaltenders sporting save percentages below .880 and defensive units that struggle to limit quality chances, this matchup has all the ingredients for a high-scoring affair despite St. Louis' offensive limitations.
Pick Ideas
Senators Moneyline (-155)
Ottawa has won their last eight games as home favorites following a home loss and faces a Blues team that has lost eight of their last nine night games. The Senators have superior scoring depth and home-ice advantage.
Over 5.5 Total Goals
Both teams rank in the bottom third defensively, and the Senators' last five games have all gone over while both goaltenders have save percentages below .880.
Senators Puck Line -1.5 (+170)
The Blues have failed to cover the puck line in five of their last six night games against Atlantic Division opponents, while the Senators have covered in their last four night games against opponents on losing streaks.
First Period Over 1.5 Goals
This prop has hit in seven of Ottawa's last eight home games and in each of the Blues' last four night games at Canadian Tire Centre, suggesting early scoring.
Tim Stützle Over Points
Ottawa's leading scorer with 24 points faces a Blues defense ranked 29th in goals against, providing an excellent matchup for the Senators' top offensive threat.