NHL · December 20, 2025
Chicago Blackhawks @ Ottawa Senators
Free LineCrush game report for Chicago Blackhawks @ Ottawa Senators on December 20, 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
Bedard's Absence and Offensive Firepower
Connor Bedard's upper body injury is a significant blow to the Blackhawks' offensive depth. Bedard leads the team with 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) and recorded a hat trick in Chicago's first matchup win against Ottawa. Without their top scorer, the Blackhawks will need Tyler Bertuzzi (26 points) and Frank Nazar (15 assists) to step up even more prominently.
Ottawa's Defensive Vulnerabilities
Despite the Senators' recent 4-0 shutout victory over Pittsburgh, their season-long defense remains concerning with a 3.15 goals-against average (21st) and 71.1% penalty kill rating (31st). The Blackhawks should look to exploit these weaknesses, especially on special teams where Chicago holds a 25.7% power play percentage (5th).
Soderblom Under Pressure
Arvid Soderblom will start for Chicago after allowing three goals on 23 shots in his previous start against Detroit. His career marks against Ottawa are concerning: 0-0-1 record with a 3.95 GAA and .846 save percentage. With Bedard sidelined, Chicago's defense and goaltending will need to be sharp against a Senators team that just dominated Pittsburgh.
Tim Stutzle's Offensive Consistency
Tim Stutzle leads the Senators with 34 points (15 goals, 19 assists in a tied role). Playing on the top line with Brady Tkachuk and Fabian Zetterlund, Stutzle has been a consistent threat and will be crucial to Ottawa's success against a Blackhawks team still searching for defensive consistency this season.
Merilainen's Development Game
Leevi Merilainen (23 years old) is expected to start his ninth game of the season and has yet to face Chicago. While he allowed three goals on 25 shots against Minnesota last Saturday, Merilainen will face a Blackhawks roster missing their leading scorer and searching for offensive rhythm without Bedard.
Pick Ideas
Under Total Goals
With Soderblom's recent struggles (3.95 GAA vs Ottawa, .846 Sv%), a young Merilainen facing his first Chicago matchup, and the Blackhawks missing Bedard, expect a lower-scoring affair than the teams' first meeting (7-3).
Tim Stutzle Over Assists
Stutzle's consistent 19-assist production and top-line deployment suggest he'll continue creating chances against a Blackhawks defense that allows 3.09 goals per game (13th).
Senators to Win
Ottawa enters with momentum from a shutout win, plays at home, and faces a short-handed Chicago team missing its leading scorer and defensive anchor in Bedard.
First Period Under
Both teams appear more defensively focused this matchup, with Soderblom needing to establish early rhythm and the Senators' offense likely starting slowly in a cautious opening period.