Pittsburgh Penguins vs Ottawa Senators, Picks and Prediction, Thursday, December 18, 2025
Use Code WWWC The Pittsburgh Penguins face the Ottawa Senators with both teams looking to improve on rocky seasons. The Penguins are 14-9-9, and with six losses in a row, they have fallen out of playoff position in the Eastern Conference. The Senators are 15-13-4 and with only four wins in their last 10 games, they have the second-worst record in the Atlantic Division. Who will win this matchup? Check out our Penguins vs Senators prediction!
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Pittsburgh is struggling in December
The Penguins are having a rocky December despite their offense stepping up and scoring 3.22 goals per game. Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust, and Anthony Mantha have scored 41 goals and 44 assists while defenseman Erik Karlsson has added three goals and 22 assists from the point to help open up the offense.
The offense has been great but the defense has let them down, 3.03 goals per game, including 25 goals in the last five games. Erik Karlsson and Ryan Shea have combined for 4.3 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. In addition, goaltender Arturs Silovs has unraveled recently, allowing 17 goals in his last four starts.
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Key injury report for Penguins
- Evgeni Malkin was placed on injured reserve. Has eight goals and 21 assists.
Senators hope offense turns their season around
The Senators are having a rough season and hope their offense turns things around as they are averaging 3.06 goals per game with 11 goals in the last three games. Tim Stutzle, Drake Batherson, and Dylan Cozens have scored 38 goals and 49 assists to lead the top two lines while Jake Sanderson has added seven goals and 19 assists from the point to open up the offense.
The offense has stepped up but the defense has struggled, allowing 3.25 goals per game. Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub have combined for 3.6 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net with ease. In addition, goaltender Linus Ullmark has struggled, allowing nine goals in his last three starts while boasting -11.6 goals saved above average this season.
Key injury report for Senators
- Shane Pinto is on injured reserve. Has 12 goals and six assists.
- Thomas Chabot (upper body) is day-to-day. Has two goals and eight assists and is a key part of the defense.
Penguins vs Senators Pick
Money Line Pick For Penguins vs Senators
- Senators (-170) (4 units)
The Penguins have lost six games in a row, and the Senators look to step up on their home ice and take over this one. The Senators, who average 3.06 goals per game, should pile on the goals against the Penguins, who have allowed 25 in their last five, with Tim Stutzle, Dylan Cozens, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone while creating open shots with quick passes. The Senators should limit the Penguins offense with Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub stepping up at the blue line and cutting off angles to the net on the rush while limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Linus Ullmark to make plenty of big saves. The Senators should win the game with a strong performance on their home ice.
Take the Senators money line as home Favorites.
Over/Under Pick For Penguins vs Senators
- Over 5.5 (5 Units)
Both teams have great offenses that look to make this game a high-scoring one from the opening puck drop. The Penguins, who average 3.22 goals per game, should pile on the goals with Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone while creating open shots with quick passes. The Senators, who have scored 11 goals in their last three games, should run up the score against the Penguins and Arturs Silovs, who has allowed 17 goals in his last four starts, with Tim Stutzle, Drake Batherson, Dylan Cozens, and the rest of the forward unit establishing a strong offensive zone presence and creating open shots with effective puck movement as Jake Sanderson picks apart the Penguins from the point. The Over should cover in a high-scoring game with both offenses stepping up.
Take the Over on 5.5 goals.
The Penguins face the Senators with both teams looking to improve in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
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