Welcome to another Saturday Ottawa Senators edition of NHL Predictions here at Last Word On Hockey, as they take on the Philadelphia Flyers in a 1:00 p.m. local time start. Check out our statistical breakdown, analysis, storylines, and predictions for not just this one, but games all season long. So, who are you taking in this one between the Sens and Flyers?
NHL Predictions with the Sens versus the Flyers
2025-26 Season Series – Ottawa 1 – 0 Philadelphia
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch: RDS2; TSN5; NBCSP
Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
For the Sens, this is the second of two games as part of the infamous, annual dads trip. The Boston Bruins were spoilers in the first game. However, powered by Claude Giroux‘s goal to make it 2-2, the Sens did well to earn the single point, after being outplayed early in the game. On the other hand, the Flyers are looking for some consistency, but come in riding a two-game win streak. When the Flyers score three or more goals, they are 7-0-1. Luckily for Ottawa, the Flyers are 25th in goals-per-game at 2.71. Meanwhile, Ottawa is at the other end of the board. If they allow four or more goals, their record is 1-6-1. Now, the winning percentage in those games may not be a surprise, but the fact they have done it eight times through 14 games, is, ah, not good. So, if it is a low scoring game like the previous 2-1 game between these teams, Sens are likely to win, but if it is an offensive clash, the Flyers get the edge. So, let’s find out which way it will go.
Let’s Go From the Flyers Perspective
The Flyers activated goaltender Samuel Ersson off the injured reserve on Thursday. Moreover, Daniel Vladar started the season with six games surrendering two goals or less. Then, in two games versus the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens, he allowed a combined eight goals on 39 shots, to bring his save percentage back down to earth. His 23 of 24 save performance last time out versus the Nashville Predators, brought his season save percentage to .917. But it seems he needs a break. Therefore, if Ersson is good to go, expect him to get the call. This makes for a good time for our disclaimer, to check for the very latest lineup updates on social media before locking in your daily fantasy roster. However, we will counter by saying, since this one is an early start, we might get away with going from our news, based on the night before’s call. So, it is likely Ersson who starts.
One player going for the Flyers, and starting to find some comfort is Trevor Zegras. This has even caused some recent rumours regarding his long-term future in Philly. Needless to say, his 11 assists and over point-per-game pace through 14 games are looking good.
On the other end of the spectrum, a forward struggling to get going is Matvei Michkov. His ice time has been down at times, including under 13 minutes last games versus the Preds. In contrast, he did score in his only shot of that game, the 1-1 goal, in their eventual 3-1 victory. He’s the type of guy, that if head coach Rick Tocchet can get going, could really supply the balanced attack they want.
The one guy to call out from the blueline, is a Team Canada hopeful. Travis Sanheim is a minute muncher, thus far. He’s currently over 26 minutes a game. If he continues his strong work, there’s no reason he won’t garner serious consideration to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Team Canada. After all, he did play in the 4 Nations Face-Off tourney back in February, earlier this year.
What About the Senators Point-of-View
Ottawa really wants this win. Claude Giroux coming back to Philly. The dads badly wanting the two points, goalie Linus Ullmark struggling to find his game, they’re going to make it tough on the home side.
Drake Batherson had his five-game point streak snapped last time out. He leads the team with 15 points, followed by Tim Stutzle and Shane Pinto, with 14 and 13 points, respectively. The offence remains a strength, with them eighth in goals-for-per-game with 3.43. Their 26% power play is good for seventh, these are all the good things. One surprising stat, is the Bruins game marked only the third time all year the Sens scored first. Surprising, in the fact they have been good offensively. However, they desperately need some stability defensively.
There is a few problems for Ottawa. They have a poor penalty kill, that has them ranked 32nd at 65.1%. Also, they can’t seem to find good rhythm on the defensive pairings. There have been calls to work Jordan Spence back into the lineup. However, he has been prone to costly turnovers, and doesn’t provide the physicality Nikolas Matinpalo possesses. Head coach Travis Green better figure something out, or the general manager Steve Staios might be forced to make a trade. The saving grace is the team’s overall 6-5-3 record. Once they can get something figured out, they should be fine.
NHL Predictions
This one is hard to call, because the Sens will be motivated. However, it is in Philly and guys like Travis Konecny and Zegras are clicking. The Sens try to keep it close, but ultimately come up short. We will look at this as an eye opener for the Sens, if they truly consider themselves contenders in the Eastern Conference. Might leave them asking, when is Brady Tkachuk due back?
Prediction: Senators 2 – Flyers 4
Prop Bets
We like Shane Pinto to get back into the goal column in this one for the Sens. He has eight through 14 games, on the heels of a 19.0 shooting percentage, but has not scored in the last five contests. Look for that slide to be put to a halt. For Philly, Konecny has four goals in his last six, he’s hot right now, so we like him to bury biscuit in basket. If you like the Flyers to cover the -1.5 spread, combined with the two aforementioned anytime goal scorers, if it hits, it is nearly +3300, sounds good enough to try for us.
Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
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