The Ottawa Senators haven’t been consistently rewarded for playing high-end hockey at 5-on-5, so a date with the reeling Pittsburgh Penguins is just what the doctor ordered on Thursday, December 18.
My Penguins vs. Senators predictions and NHL picks call for a convincing Ottawa win, with winger Drake Batherson stocking stuffing the scoresheet tonight.
Penguins vs Senators prediction
Penguins vs Senators best bet: Drake Batherson Over 2.5 shots on goal (+120)
I’m anticipating a splash of statistical correction from Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson in the shots column tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
He’s only converted four of his 13 attempts into shots (30.8%) across the past three games, which is well below his prior 52.6% conversion rate. This should prove to be a good matchup.
The Penguins allow the most shots per game to right wingers, while also losing six straight since Evgeni Malkin (upper body) went down.
Batherson is sporting an elite 61.0 Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5 in December and skates with the No. 1 power-play unit, too.
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Penguins vs Senators same-game parlay
As noted, the Pens have dropped six straight with the most goals against in the league (4.33) during the skid, while Ottawa has been a 5-on-5 force with a fourth-ranked CF% and top-ranked expected goals percentage in December.
I’m also encouraged by Linus Ullmark turning away 23 of 25 shots during Monday’s road win over the Winnipeg Jets. Ullmark’s play has been better on home ice the past two years, sporting a .904 SV% at the Canadian Tire Centre compared to a .894 mark on the highway.
Returning to Batherson, he’s marked the scoresheet in five of seven games this month and paces the Sens in both goals and points per 60 minutes this season.
Penguins vs Senators SGP
- Senators -1.5
- Drake Batherson Over 0.5 points
- Drake Batherson Over 2.5 shots on goal
Penguins vs Senators odds
- Moneyline: Penguins +145 | Senators -170
- Puck Line: Penguins +1.5 (-160) | Senators -1.5 (+140)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-105) | Under 6.5 (-115)
Penguins vs Senators trend
The Penguins have only won 34 of their last 81 games (-9.20 Units / -10% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Penguins vs. Senators.
How to watch Penguins vs Senators
| Location | Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, ON |
| Date | Thursday, December 18, 2025 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | SportsNet Pittsburgh, TSN5 |
Penguins vs Senators latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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