NHL · December 9, 2025
New Jersey Devils @ Ottawa Senators
Free LineCrush game report for New Jersey Devils @ Ottawa Senators on December 9, 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
Devils Desperate to End Five-Game Losing Streak
New Jersey arrives in Ottawa searching for their first win in five games. The 16-12-1 Devils have the offensive weapons with Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt confirmed healthy after maintenance days, but consistency issues have plagued the team. This road matchup against a division rival represents a critical opportunity to get back on track.
Ullmark Inconsistency Continues Against Dynamic Devils Offense
Linus Ullmark will start for Ottawa after being first off the ice at Tuesday morning skate. The 32-year-old netminder has posted a 3.00 GAA and .877 save percentage through 21 games, showing marked inconsistency this season with a recent 2-1 loss on December 6th. Against a Devils team with Meier and Bratt fully operational, Ullmark's performance will be the critical factor.
Senators' Defense Compromised Without Chabot
Ottawa will be without top defenseman Thomas Chabot (upper body injury) and contributing forward Shane Pinto (lower body injury). The 13-11-4 Senators play at home but face a Devils team with intact top offensive weapons. Defensive depth will be tested significantly in this matchup.
Jack Hughes Absence Impacts Devils' Overall Composition
Beyond Hughes' missing presence, New Jersey is without Zack MacEwen, Brett Pesche, Jonathan Kovacevic, and Evgenii Dadonov. Despite this injury list, coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed critical forwards Meier and Bratt are 'good to go,' preserving offensive firepower needed to snap the losing streak.
Atlantic Division Points Battle on the Line
Both teams sit in a competitive Atlantic Division race with Ottawa at 13-11-4 (30 points) and New Jersey at 16-12-1 (33 points). Home ice advantage combined with playoff positioning implications make this a high-stakes division matchup with significant standings implications.
Pick Ideas
Senators Moneyline
Ottawa is favored with home ice, Ullmark in net, and the Devils attempting to break a five-game losing streak. The Senators present a solid betting proposition despite their inconsistencies this season.
Devils Underdog Value
At +116, New Jersey offers underdog value with Meier and Bratt at full strength facing a Senators defense compromised by Chabot's injury. The offensive firepower could exploit Ottawa's defensive gaps.
Under Total Goals
Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities, but the absence of key Senators defensemen and Devils' recent scoring droughts could produce a lower-scoring affair. Ullmark's inconsistency adds unpredictability to total offensive output.
Timo Meier Anytime Goal Scorer
Meier is healthy and facing a Senators defense without Thomas Chabot. The dynamic winger should find scoring opportunities against the depleted Ottawa blue line.