Event Preview
Overview
The Ottawa Senators are set to host the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. This matchup is significant as both teams are striving to improve their standings within their respective divisions. The Senators, currently in the Atlantic Division, are looking to solidify their position, while the Blues, from the Central Division, aim to reverse their recent road performance.
Season Snapshot
Ottawa Senators
The Senators have a record of 13 wins, 10 losses, and 4 overtime losses, placing them in the middle of the Atlantic Division standings. Their home performance has been relatively strong, with a 6-4-2 record at the Canadian Tire Centre. The team has shown resilience, especially in games where opponents have committed more penalties, boasting a 7-3-0 record in such matchups. (abcnews.go.com)
St. Louis Blues
The Blues hold a record of 9 wins, 12 losses, and 7 overtime losses, positioning them lower in the Central Division standings. Their road performance has been a concern, with a 4-6-3 record away from home. Offensively, they have a goal differential of -27, scoring 71 goals and conceding 98. (abcnews.go.com)
Recent Form
Ottawa Senators
In their most recent game on December 5, 2025, the Senators faced a 4-2 loss to the New York Rangers. Notably, forward Shane Pinto sustained a lower-body injury during the first period of that game. (reuters.com) Prior to that, the Senators secured a 5-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on December 3, 2025, with captain Brady Tkachuk scoring his first goal of the season and adding an assist. (reuters.com)
St. Louis Blues
The Blues are coming off a 5-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on December 5, 2025. In that game, Pavel Zacha scored twice for the Bruins, and the Blues struggled defensively, allowing three goals in the second period. (reuters.com) Earlier, on November 29, 2025, the Blues rallied from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Senators 4-3, with Matthew Kessel scoring the game-winning goal. (reuters.com)
Talking Points
- Injury Impact: How will Shane Pinto's absence affect the Senators' lineup and offensive strategy?
- Blues' Road Woes: Can St. Louis overcome their recent struggles on the road to secure a win in Ottawa?
- Tkachuk's Return: With Brady Tkachuk back in form, will his leadership and scoring ability boost the Senators' performance?
- Defensive Adjustments: What defensive strategies will both teams employ to address recent lapses and capitalize on scoring opportunities?
- Special Teams Battle: Which team's power play and penalty kill units will have the greater impact on the game's outcome?
Players to Watch
- Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators): After returning from injury, Tkachuk scored his first goal of the season and added an assist in the win over Montreal. His leadership and physical presence are crucial for the Senators. (reuters.com)
- Shane Pinto (Ottawa Senators): Pinto has been a key contributor offensively but is sidelined due to a lower-body injury sustained against the Rangers. His absence may impact the Senators' scoring depth. (reuters.com)
- Pavel Zacha (Boston Bruins): Zacha's two-goal performance against the Blues highlights his offensive capabilities. While not directly related to the upcoming game, his recent form may influence the Blues' defensive preparations. (reuters.com)
- Matthew Kessel (St. Louis Blues): Kessel's game-winning goal in the previous matchup against the Senators demonstrates his clutch performance and potential impact on the game's outcome. (reuters.com)
- Jordan Binnington (St. Louis Blues): Binnington's performance in net will be pivotal, especially considering the Blues' recent struggles on the road. His ability to make key saves could be a deciding factor.
Key Matchups & Storylines
- Ottawa's Offense vs. St. Louis' Defense: The Senators' offensive depth, led by Tkachuk and Stützle, will challenge the Blues' defensive unit, which has been inconsistent on the road.
- Special Teams Play: Both teams' power play and penalty kill units have been areas of focus. The effectiveness of these units could swing the momentum in favor of either team.
- Goaltending Battle: The performance of both goalies, particularly Binnington for the Blues, will be crucial. His ability to rebound from recent losses will be tested against the Senators' offense.
Fun Facts
- Previous Matchups: In their last encounter on November 28, 2025, the Blues overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Senators 4-3, with Matthew Kessel scoring the decisive goal. (nhl.com)
- Tkachuk's Return: Brady Tkachuk's goal and assist in his return game against Montreal marked a significant milestone in his recovery from injury. (reuters.com)
- Blues' Road Record: The Blues have struggled on the road this season, with a 4-6-3 record away from home. (abcnews.go.com)
Things to Chirp About
- "With Pinto out, who steps up for the Senators' offense?"
- "Can the Blues break their road slump in Ottawa?"
- "Tkachuk's back—will he lead the Senators to victory?"
- "Binnington's performance: key to the Blues' success?"
Prediction
The Senators, bolstered by Tkachuk's return and playing at home, are likely to have the upper hand in this matchup. However, the Blues' recent rally against the Senators suggests they have the potential to challenge Ottawa's defense. The game's outcome will heavily depend on the effectiveness of both teams' special teams and the performance of their goaltenders.