Detroit Red Wings vs. Ottawa Senators Pick and Prediction for Monday January 5, 2026
The Detroit Red Wings are traveling to Ottawa to face the Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. The game has a puck drop time of 7:30 PM and will be available for fans to stream on ESPN+.1 This Atlantic Division rivalry features two teams fighting for position in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race, as Detroit looks to regain momentum while Ottawa tries to extend their current winning streak. For more great NHL picks, find our free NHL picks.
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Detroit Seeks Road Success in Ontario
The Detroit Red Wings enter this contest with a season record of 24-15-4. After a strong start to the campaign, they have encountered some turbulence recently, posting a 2-3 record over their last five games. Detroit is looking to bounce back from a disappointing home-and-home series against Pittsburgh, which concluded with a 4-1 loss on January 3. Despite the recent slide, the Red Wings have been reliable on the road this season, carrying a 10-7-3 record away from Little Caesars Arena.
Statistically, the Red Wings have been balanced, averaging 3.00 goals for per game while allowing 3.16. Their power play has been a major weapon, ranking among the league's best with a 24.8% conversion rate. Defensively, they have been solid on the penalty kill, successfully navigating 80.5% of their shorthanded situations. Detroit averages 28.7 shots on goal per game and is disciplined in their own zone, allowing 27.7 shots against per contest.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  The Insiders Room | +1,793.00 |
| 2 |  Tony Karpinski | +1,731.00 |
| 3 |  Jesse Schule | +1,599.00 |
| 4 |  Rob Vinciletti | +1,284.00 |
| 5 |  David Delano | +1,232.00 |
Between the pipes, Detroit utilizes the veteran tandem of J. Gibson and C. Talbot. Gibson has served as the primary starter, recording 13 wins, 9 losses, and 1 overtime loss with two shutouts, a 2.93 goals-against average, and a .895 save percentage. Talbot has provided strong support with 11 wins, 6 losses, and 3 overtime losses, maintaining a 2.99 goals-against average and a .888 save percentage.
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No injuries reported.
Ottawa Aims to Keep Momentum at Home
The Ottawa Senators come into Monday’s game with an overall record of 20-15-5.2 They have found their form recently, winning two straight games including a 4-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on January 3. The Senators have defended their home ice well this year, posting a 10-7-3 record at the Canadian Tire Centre. They will look to use their high-powered offense to overwhelm a Detroit defense that has shown some cracks during their recent two-game losing streak.
From a team stats perspective, the Senators are dangerous offensively, averaging 3.25 goals for per game. Their power play is nearly identical to Detroit’s at a 25.0% success rate, making special teams a focal point for this matchup. However, Ottawa has struggled defensively at times, allowing 3.23 goals per game and holding a penalty kill rate of just 72.6%. They average 28.0 shots per game while playing a tight defensive shell that limits opponents to 25.5 shots per contest.
In goal, the Senators are currently navigating depth challenges due to injury. L. Ullmark has been the lead netminder with 14 wins, 8 losses, and 5 overtime losses, a 2.95 goals-against average, and a .881 save percentage. With Ullmark sidelined, the team has turned to L. Merilainen, who has appeared in 13 games with 6 wins, 7 losses, a 3.34 goals-against average, and a .875 save percentage.
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Linus Ullmark (G): OUT - Est. Return Jan 18
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Lars Eller (C): IR - Est. Return Jan 7
Analysis & Betting Picks
Moneyline: Detroit Red Wings (+130)
The value in this game lies with the underdog. While Ottawa has won two straight, they are missing their primary goaltender, which is a massive blow against a Detroit team that features a top-ten power play. Detroit has been a strong road team all season and will be highly motivated to end their two-game skid. Expect the Red Wings' veteran presence to be the difference in a tight divisional battle.
Total: Over 5.5 (-135)
Both teams feature top-tier power plays converting at roughly 25%, and Ottawa’s penalty kill is one of the least efficient in the league at 72.6%. With a backup goaltender expected to start for the Senators and both teams averaging over three goals per game, this has all the makings of a high-scoring affair that should comfortably clear the 5.5 total.
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