NHL · January 22, 2026
Ottawa Senators @ Nashville Predators
Free LineCrush game report for Ottawa Senators @ Nashville Predators on January 22, 2026, 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
Roman Josi's Historic 1,000th Game Milestone
Nashville captain Roman Josi becomes just the 84th player in NHL history to skate in 1,000 regular season games with the same franchise. This milestone provides emotional momentum for a Predators team desperately seeking to break a two-game losing streak after a disastrous first period Tuesday against Buffalo where they fell down 4-0.
Nashville's Defensive Collapse Demands Immediate Response
After surrendering four goals in the first period alone to Buffalo on Tuesday, the Predators must tighten their defensive zone discipline against an Ottawa team averaging 3.27 goals per game with the NHL's 7th-ranked power play. Coach Barry Trotz needs to see a complete reversal from Tuesday's performance.
Juuse Saros Under Pressure with Playoff Implications
Saros' GAA climbed above 3.00 after Tuesday's loss, and his .897 save percentage trails league standards. Facing the Senators' potent offense while the team sits third in a Western Conference playoff race makes tonight critical for Predators goaltending stability.
Senators Exploit Vulnerable Goaltending Matchup
James Reimer, making only his second start of the season, faces an Ottawa team that has secured points in their last five games. The Senators can capitalize against Nashville's defensive struggles and Reimer's relative lack of game action.
Jonathan Marchessault's Return Must Spark Predators Offense
After missing a month with injury, Marchessault has recorded just two shots on goal through two games back. Against the Senators' league-worst .867 team save percentage, this is an ideal opportunity for the veteran to regain offensive momentum and confidence.
Both Teams Fighting for Playoff Positioning
Nashville (23-22-4) sits three spots away from a Wild Card position while Ottawa (23-19-7) shares seventh in the Atlantic Division. Both clubs face critical junctures in their seasons, with this matchup potentially decisive in their sell/buy deadline decisions.
Pick Ideas
Senators Moneyline
Ottawa enters with urgency after points in five straight games and faces a vulnerable Nashville defense reeling from Tuesday's collapse. The Senators' offensive depth, led by Tim Stutzle (51 points), presents significant value against struggling Predators goaltending.
Tim Stutzle Over 0.5 Goals
The Senators' leading scorer has 22 goals this season and faces a Nashville defensive unit in crisis mode. Stutzle's elite offensive capabilities make him a strong play against the Predators' inconsistent recent performance.
Over Total Goals
Both teams average strong offensive output (Ottawa 3.3 GPG, Nashville averaging similar), and Nashville's defensive breakdown suggests a high-scoring affair. With James Reimer limited game action and Saros under confidence pressure, expect goal proliferation.
Ryan O'Reilly to Score
The Predators' 29-assist center sits with 47 points and benefits from Nashville's need to generate offense against a stingy defensive opponent. O'Reilly's veteran presence and scoring ability make him a reliable prop bet in a must-win situation.
First Period Ottawa Goal
Given Nashville's first-period disaster against Buffalo just two days prior, the Senators can capitalize early with aggressive foreplay. Momentum and confidence favor Ottawa in the game's opening frame.