The NHL regular season kicks off with an exciting matchup between the Ottawa Senators and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hosted at the Benchmark International Arena, this game will take place on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM, with coverage on ESPN+. Both teams are eager to start the season on a positive note and establish themselves in the Eastern Atlantic division.
Leading the Ottawa Senators is head coach Travis Green, with the team finishing last season with a respectable 45-30-7 record. The Senators ranked 6th in the conference and 4th in their division, making it to the first round of the playoffs before falling short. Ottawa enters this game as the underdog, with a MoneyLine of +141 and a puck line of -1.5 at -182 odds.
The Tampa Bay Lightning, guided by head coach Jon Cooper, had a strong 47-27-8 record last season. They secured the 3rd spot in the conference and 2nd in the division but also faced an early playoff exit. As the favorite for this game with a MoneyLine of -169, the Lightning will look to leverage their home-ice advantage and start the season with a victory.
Lightning vs Senators At a Glance
- Game Location: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa Bay
- Game Date & Time: October 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM
- TV Broadcast: ESPN+
- Ottawa Senators’ Last Season Record: 45-30-7
- Tampa Bay Lightning’s Last Season Record: 47-27-8
- Betting Favorite: Tampa Bay Lightning (-169)
Lightning Sparks Fly as Tampa Bay Prepares for Season Opener
Star Power and Offensive Strength
The Tampa Bay Lightning, armed with a formidable lineup, are set to kick off their season with high expectations. Leading the charge is Nikita Kucherov, who last season notched 121 points in 78 games, highlighting his value as a perennial MVP contender. With a roster that includes other offensive powerhouses like Brandon Hagel and Brayden Point, the Lightning’s offensive depth will be on full display.
Hagel, who registered 90 points in 82 games, and Point, with 82 points in 77 games, add significant scoring threat to Tampa Bay’s arsenal. Both players are expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s success this season. With such talent, Tampa Bay’s attack could be one of the most lethal in the league.
Defensive Prowess and Goaltending Excellence
Victor Hedman anchors the Lightning’s defense, contributing 66 points and 133 blocks last season. His presence on the blue line is crucial for maintaining defensive stability and supporting the team’s offensive play. The Lightning also benefit from the goaltending of Andrei Vasilevskiy, who boasts an impressive 38 wins in 63 games.
Vasilevskiy’s ability to make key saves and control the pace of the game is invaluable for Tampa Bay. His performance is expected to play a critical role in the team’s quest for postseason success. As the season begins, the Lightning’s combination of defensive talent and elite goaltending remains a cornerstone of their competitive edge.
Team Dynamics and Roster Additions
Curtis Douglas, a recent addition from the waiver wire, brings a physical presence to the Lightning’s lineup. Standing at 6’9′ and weighing 242 lbs, Douglas is set to make his NHL debut and will likely add depth to the team’s forward lines. His role could be instrumental in adapting to the league’s evolving style of play.
With a mixture of seasoned veterans and promising new talents, Tampa Bay’s roster is poised to handle the challenges of the upcoming season. The emergence of players like Emil Martinsen Lilleberg and Darren Raddysh further enhances the team’s overall depth, providing more options for the coaching staff to strategize effectively.
Injury Concerns and Suspensions
Injuries and suspensions are potential hurdles for the Lightning, with key players like Erik Cernak and Victor Hedman listed as questionable. Additionally, J.J. Moser’s two-game suspension for boarding and Scott Sabourin’s four-game suspension for roughing could impact the team’s lineup in the initial stages.
These challenges emphasize the need for depth and adaptability within the team. How the Lightning manage these absences could influence their early-season momentum and overall performance.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- SU Last 10: 7-3 (70.0%)
- SU All Games: 41-27 (60.3%)
- SU as Favorite: 36-13 (73.5%)
- SU as Underdog: 5-14 (26.3%)
- Puckline Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Puckline Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- Puckline Last 10: 7-3 (70.0%)
- Puckline All Games: 42-26 (61.8%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 37-12 (75.5%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 5-14 (26.3%)
- O/U Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 6-4 (60.0%)
- O/U All Games: 32-36 (47.1%)
The Ottawa Senators Set to Open the Season: A New Beginning
Ottawa’s Skaters: Key Players to Watch
Tim Stützle, playing as a left winger, enters the season as a pivotal player for the Ottawa Senators. Last season, he completed all 82 games, contributing 24 goals and 55 assists, amassing a total of 79 points. His aggressive playstyle was also evident with 130 hits, showing his physical presence on the ice.
Drake Batherson, who unfortunately will miss the season opener due to an injury, was a key right winger last season. With 26 goals and 42 assists, Batherson accumulated 68 points. His absence will be felt, but his return is anticipated to bolster the team’s offensive strategies.
Defensive Backbone and Goaltending
Jake Sanderson, a defenseman, played in 80 games last season, showcasing his dual-threat ability with 11 goals and 46 assists. His 163 blocks demonstrate his commitment to defensive responsibilities, making him a crucial part of the Senators’ lineup.
In goal, Linus Ullmark will be a significant asset, having played 44 games last season with 25 wins and 4 shutouts. Ullmark’s performance in net is expected to provide the Senators with the stability they need in their defensive zone.
Upcoming Challenges for Ottawa
Ottawa will kick off their regular season on October 9th against the Tampa Bay Lightning, setting the stage for an exciting start. The team will continue their road trip, facing the Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators shortly after. These games will be crucial for setting the pace and tone for the rest of the season.
As the Senators aim to make a strong impression early, their encounters against the Buffalo Sabres and Seattle Kraken will further test their mettle. The team’s performance in these initial games will be indicative of their readiness for the challenges of the 2025-26 season.
Betting Trends for the Senators
- SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 5: 4-1 (80.0%)
- SU Last 10: 7-3 (70.0%)
- SU All Games: 35-30 (53.8%)
- SU as Favorite: 20-14 (58.8%)
- SU as Underdog: 15-16 (48.4%)
- Puckline Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Puckline Last 5: 4-1 (80.0%)
- Puckline Last 10: 6-4 (60.0%)
- Puckline All Games: 33-32 (50.8%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 20-14 (58.8%)
- Puckline as Underdog: 13-18 (41.9%)
- O/U Last 3: 3-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 5-5 (50.0%)
- O/U All Games: 24-41 (36.9%)
Lightning vs Senators Prediction: Over 6.0
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators start their season with a matchup that could see plenty of goals. Last season, both teams demonstrated offensive capabilities, with Tampa Bay finishing with a record of 47-27-8 and Ottawa with 45-30-7. Additionally, the odds favoring the over at 6.0 (-115) suggest that the betting market anticipates a high-scoring game.
In their recent outings, the Lightning have shown both offensive prowess and defensive vulnerabilities. Their preseason game against the Florida Panthers ended with a 5-2 victory, showcasing their scoring potential. However, they also suffered a 0-7 loss, indicating potential defensive lapses that Ottawa might exploit.
Ottawa’s preseason form has been mixed but promising, with key performances leading to an overtime win and a shutout against the New Jersey Devils. Despite missing forward Drake Batherson, the Senators still possess the offensive talent needed to challenge Tampa Bay’s defense. This mix of offensive strength and defensive questions points towards a likely over scenario.
Considering these factors, it’s reasonable to expect a high-scoring affair in this season opener. A projected final score of Tampa Bay Lightning 5 – Ottawa Senators 3 aligns well with the over 6.0 pick, reflecting both teams’ offensive capabilities and defensive uncertainties.
- Lightning vs Senators Prediction: Over 6.0
- Lightning vs Senators Score: Lightning 5 – Senators 3
