Prediction: Chicago Blackhawks VS Ottawa Senators 2025-12-20
Ottawa Senators vs. Chicago Blackhawks: A Tale of Two Streaks (One Good, One Not So Much)
The Ottawa Senators, fresh off a 4-0 shutout of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are hosting the Chicago Blackhawks in a matchup that’s as lopsided on paper as a pancake at a buffet. Let’s break this down with the precision of a Zamboni and the humor of a penguin in a hockey rink.
Parsing the Odds: Ottawa’s Implied Probability is a “We’re Not Even Trying” 72.5%
The betting line paints a clear picture: Ottawa is a heavy favorite at -1.5 goals on the spread (decimal odds: 1.38, implied probability ~72.5%), while Chicago is a long shot at +3.1 (implied probability ~25.4%). To put that in perspective, Chicago’s chances of winning are about the same as me remembering to tie my skates before a game. The total goals line sits at 5.5, with slight favor to the Under (odds ~1.91). Given Ottawa’s recent shutout and Chicago’s three-game dry spell (scoring just three goals total), this could be a night where “low-scoring” isn’t just a hope—it’s a guarantee.
Team News: Senators Are “Focused,” Blackhawks Are “Focus-What?”
Ottawa’s post-Penguins win was a masterclass in efficiency. Brady Tkachuk (2 goals), Claude Giroux (1 goal), and Linus Ullmark (24 saves) led the charge, while Tim Stutzle continued his MVP-caliber season with 15 goals and 34 points. The Senators’ penalty kill is also a fortress, especially after their 9-5-0 record when outdrawing penalties. Oh, and Jake Sanderson’s highlight-reel assist using a right-handed stick? Pure Ottawa magic.
Chicago, meanwhile, is a team in disarray. Without Connor Bedard (out with an upper-body injury), their offense has sputtered to 1.9 goals per game—about as effective as a deflated balloon at a party. Frank Nazar ending a 21-game goal drought is heartwarming, but it’s not exactly the foundation for a comeback. Coach Jeff Blashill’s plea for a “B-plus game” sounds less like motivation and more like a plea to his players to stop tripping over their own skates.
Historical Context: Ottawa’s Home Ice Advantage vs. Chicago’s Road Struggles
Ottawa is a solid 7-6-2 at home, while Chicago is a putrid 6-9-3 on the road. The Senators also own the edge in the season series, having bounced back from their earlier 7-3 loss to Chicago with a dominant performance. Chicago’s recent play? A four-game losing streak where they’ve been outscored 27-9. If the Blackhawks want to win, they’ll need to:
1. Score more than three goals.
2. Avoid turning the puck over more times than a toddler at a candy store.
3. Pray Ullmark has a slow night. (Good luck with that.)
The Humor: Because Hockey Needs Laughs
- Chicago’s offense: If scoring goals were a Olympic sport, the Blackhawks would be the team that forgets to show up. Their last three games have produced three goals total—about as many as I score in a weekend of beer pong.
- Ottawa’s penalty kill: So effective, they’ve probably convinced the referees to start calling penalties on the Zamboni operator.
- Tim Stutzle: Leading the team in goals and points? He’s the only player who makes “Ottawa’s offense” sound like a threat.
Prediction: Ottawa’s Shutout Mentality Meets Chicago’s “We’re Just Here for the Bus” Attitude
The math checks out: Ottawa’s implied probability (~72.5%) aligns with their recent dominance, home-ice advantage, and Chicago’s offensive implosion. Unless the Blackhawks suddenly develop a shooting mentality (as Coach Blashill so eloquently demanded) and start scoring goals with the ferocity of a caffeinated squirrel, this one is over.
Final Verdict: Bet the Ottawa Senators to win by at least two goals. If you’re feeling spicy, take the Under 5.5 goals—because watching Chicago’s power play is about as exciting as watching paint dry… but at least the paint doesn’t cost $40 million.
Go Senators! Or as the Blackhawks might say, “Go… wait, who are we playing again?” 🏒
Created: Dec. 20, 2025, 9:17 a.m. GMT