Columbus Blue Jackets vs Ottawa Senators – 5:00 PM ET – Canadian Tire Centre (ESPN+)

Moneyline: Senators -185, Blue Jackets +154
Over/Under: 6.5

Game Preview:

The Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets face off Sunday evening in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup at Canadian Tire Centre. Ottawa is firmly in the playoff mix, while Columbus continues to fall behind — losers of 11 of their last 15 and fresh off a 5-0 shutout loss to the Maple Leafs on Saturday.

The Blue Jackets have been in a tailspin defensively. They allow 3.43 goals per game and rank dead last in second-period goals allowed (1.32 per game). The goaltending tandem of Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov has been shaky, combining for a sub-.900 save percentage and over 225 goals allowed on the season. Offensively, Columbus leans on Kirill Marchenko (31 goals) and Zach Werenski (54 assists), but their special teams remain inconsistent and their play on the second night of back-to-backs has been dreadful — losing 14 of their last 15 in that spot.

The Senators, on the other hand, are trending in the right direction. Ottawa has won 8 straight home games after a win and is coming off victories over playoff-caliber teams like the Lightning and Panthers. Even without Brady Tkachuk (out), the Sens continue to get production from Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson, while Linus Ullmark provides stability in net. The Senators are one of the better home favorites down the stretch and have covered the puck line in 11 of their last 13 as favorites on the second leg of a back-to-back.

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Best Bet: Senators -1.5 (+135)

The Blue Jackets are 1-14 SU and 2-13 ATS in their last 15 night games on the second leg of a back-to-back. Ottawa has owned this spot lately — winning 8 straight home games after a win and covering the puck line in nearly all of them. With Columbus offering little resistance and Ottawa heating up in a playoff push, the Sens should cruise. One of the best puck line NHL best bets today.

Top Player Prop: Tim Stützle Over 0.5 Assists (+100)

With Brady Tkachuk out, look for Tim Stützle to take on even more responsibility. He’s tallied 7 assists in his last 8 home games and leads the Sens with 51 on the year. Columbus is vulnerable in transition, and Stützle is the engine of Ottawa’s top power play unit. A great plus-money target among NHL player props today.

Blue Jackets vs Senators Betting Trends:

Blue Jackets are 1-14 SU in last 15 night games on second of back-to-back
Senators are 8-0 SU in last 8 home games following a win
Senators are 11-2 RL in last 13 as home favorites on second of back-to-back
Blue Jackets are 2-13 RL in last 15 night games on B2B
Over is 5-2 in Ottawa’s last 7 home games
Under is 4-1 in Columbus’ last 5 vs Atlantic Division teams

Blue Jackets vs Senators FAQ

Who is favored in Blue Jackets vs Senators today?
The Ottawa Senators are -185 home favorites over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

What time is puck drop at Canadian Tire Centre?
Puck drop is set for 5:00 PM ET on Sunday, April 6, 2025, streaming on ESPN+.

What’s the Over/Under for today’s matchup?
The total is set at 6.5 goals — recent trends suggest a lean toward the Under.

Who are the key injuries?
Brady Tkachuk (OTT) and Nick Cousins are out. The Blue Jackets are without Owen Sillinger.

What is the best NHL player prop today in this game?
Tim Stützle Over 0.5 assists (+100) offers great value as he leads Ottawa in helpers and gets extra ice time with Tkachuk out.

Which side has the edge today?
Ottawa, at home with playoff motivation, gets the edge. Columbus is struggling badly on back-to-backs and can’t be trusted in this spot.

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