Ottawa Senators vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions for Thursday December 11 2025
The Ottawa Senators travel to Nationwide Arena for a Thursday night showdown with the Columbus Blue Jackets in a battle of two teams trying to climb back toward the playoff picture. Before placing your wagers, make sure you check today’s updated free NHL picks — essential for staying ahead of the market on tight midweek matchups like this.
Senators vs Blue Jackets Betting Overview
Ottawa enters at 13-12-4 (7-6-2 away), while Columbus sits at 13-11-6 (6-3-3 home). The Blue Jackets open as slight home favorites thanks to steadier goaltending and a strong recent performance at Nationwide Arena.
This matchup features contrasting styles — Ottawa leans on scoring efficiency, while Columbus thrives through shot volume.
Ottawa Senators Preview
Offense
The Senators average 3.00 goals per game, led by:
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- Drake Batherson — 26 PTS (12 G, 14 A)
- Claude Giroux — veteran playmaking and PP stability
- Jake Sanderson — 18 assists, 9 PPA
Ottawa doesn’t generate a high shot volume (26.8 per game), but they convert well, especially on the power play (22.2%).
Defense & Goaltending
This is where Ottawa struggles most — 3.29 goals allowed per game.
Goaltenders:
- Linus Ullmark — 10–8–4, 3.00 GAA, .877 SV%
- Leevi Meriläinen — 3–4–0, 3.36 GAA, .876 SV%
Ullmark has had flashes of strong play but has not been consistent.
Recent Form
- L 4–3 vs NJ
- L 2–1 vs STL
- L 4–2 vs NYR
- W 5–2 @ MTL
- L 6–1 @ DAL
Ottawa is 1–4 in their last 5, giving up too many high-danger chances.
Columbus Blue Jackets Preview
Offense
Columbus scores 2.97 goals per game through balanced depth and elite production from their blueline.
Key contributors:
- Zach Werenski — 30 PTS (9 G, 21 A)
- Dmitri Voronkov — 11 goals
- Adam Fantilli — strong two-way rookie presence
The Jackets fire 30.7 shots per game, meaning Ottawa’s defense will be under pressure all night.
Defense & Goaltending
Goaltending is streaky, but serviceable:
- Jet Greaves — 7–6–5, 2.71 GAA, .906 SV%
- Elvis Merzlikins — 6–5–1, 3.87 GAA, .885 SV%
Greaves has been significantly better and should draw the start.
Columbus allows 3.38 goals per game, but their shot suppression is improving.
Recent Form
- L 4–1 @ CAR
- L 2–0 @ WSH
- L 7–6 OT @ FLA
- W 6–5 SO vs DET
- W 5–3 @ NJ
The Jackets are 2–3 in their last 5, but playing competitive hockey.
Matchup Breakdown
Edge: Offense — Senators
More efficient scoring and stronger power-play finishers.
Edge: Defense — Blue Jackets (slight)
Columbus’ structure is improving compared to Ottawa’s recent breakdowns.
Edge: Goaltending — Blue Jackets
Greaves has the best numbers of any active goalie in this matchup.
Edge: Special Teams — Senators
Ottawa’s PP (22.2%) is much stronger than Columbus’ (18.3%).
Key Trends
- Senators: 1–4 in last 5 games
- Blue Jackets: 6–3–3 at home this season
- Under has hit in 3 of last 4 Columbus home games
- Senators have allowed 4+ goals in three straight losses
Picks & Predictions
Expect a competitive game with both offenses generating quality chances. Columbus’ home-ice advantage and steadier goaltending give them a slight edge. Betting on sports and on the Senators is easy, but even easier if you use the best sportsbooks. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for the Blue Jackets with the Novig promo code. Make sure when you place your bet on Senators vs Blue Jackets you are using the BetMGM bonus code.
Best Pick: Blue Jackets ML
Lean: Over 6
Final Score Prediction
Columbus Blue Jackets 4, Ottawa Senators 3
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