The Ottawa Senators are set to take on the Florida Panthers in an NHL regular season game at the Amerant Bank Arena. Ottawa comes in with a record of 38-25-10, holding a slight edge over the Panthers who stand at 35-35-3. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
Under the guidance of head coach Travis Green, the Senators occupy the 5th spot in the Eastern Atlantic Division. With a recent string of mixed results, Ottawa seeks to regain momentum, having recently fallen 4-2 to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite recent losses, standout performances from players like Brady Tkachuk and Drake Batherson keep the team competitive.
Florida, led by head coach Paul Maurice, currently holds the 8th position in the Eastern Atlantic Division. The Panthers are eager to rebound after a 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers. As the underdogs, Florida will need strong contributions from key players like Matthew Tkachuk to secure a win against Ottawa.
Panthers vs Senators At a Glance
- Game Location: Amerant Bank Arena
- Broadcast: Available on ESPN+
- Odds Favorite: Ottawa Senators with a MoneyLine of -166
- Home Team Record: Florida Panthers stand at 35-35-3
- Away Team Record: Ottawa Senators hold a record of 38-25-10
- Game Time: Set for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM
Panthers Prepare to Pounce on Ottawa Senators
Team Overview
The Florida Panthers will be looking to reverse their fortunes as they host the Ottawa Senators. Currently, the Panthers lead the season series 2-0 against the Senators, with victories recorded in both previous encounters this season.
Despite their position near the bottom of the standings, the Panthers have shown they can contend against Ottawa, a trend they hope to maintain.
Key Skaters to Watch
Matthew Tkachuk remains a critical offensive threat for the Panthers. Although he had a goal disallowed in the recent game against the Rangers, his presence is vital for Florida’s success.
Sam Reinhart, with 61 points this season, continues to be a pivotal player. His current foot injury status, however, may affect his availability for the game.
Injury Concerns
The Panthers have been dealing with a slew of injuries, including significant names like Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand. Both are ruled out with long-term injuries, affecting the team’s depth and performance.
In addition, Anton Lundell is set to miss at least two weeks due to an upper-body injury, which further complicates the Panthers’ lineup decisions.
Goaltending Overview
Sergei Bobrovsky, with a record of 26 wins and 21 losses this season, is expected to start in goal. Despite recent challenges, Bobrovsky’s experience remains an asset for Florida.
Backup goalie Daniil Tarasov has also seen time in the crease, securing nine wins this season, adding depth to the Panthers’ goaltending options.
Florida’s Recent Performance
The Panthers have struggled in recent outings, with six losses in their last eight games. Their recent 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers highlighted some of the team’s ongoing challenges.
Despite these setbacks, the Panthers look to capitalize on their past successes against Ottawa to regain some momentum.
Betting Trends
- Straight Up (SU) Last 3: 0-3 (0.0%)
- Puckline (ATS) Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Totals (Over/Under) Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
Upcoming Challenges
Following the game against Ottawa, the Panthers will face a formidable challenge against the Boston Bruins. This matchup will further test Florida’s ability to compete against top-tier teams.
With nine games remaining, the Panthers have limited opportunities to influence their draft position and impact the playoff race of their opponents.
Senators Seek Redemption in Upcoming Game
Team Overview
The Ottawa Senators are entering the game with a recent record of 32-25, showing a moderate performance this season. With injuries affecting key defensemen like Thomas Chabot, the Senators face challenges in maintaining their defensive strength.
Despite these setbacks, the Senators have seen a resurgence in their playoff hopes, largely due to the contributions of key players stepping up in critical moments. This game against the Florida Panthers presents an opportunity to solidify their position in the playoff race.
Key Players
Brady Tkachuk remains a pivotal figure for the Senators, known for his physical play and offensive contributions. With 140 hits and 51 points in just 53 games, his impact on both ends of the ice is undeniable.
Tim Stützle, another standout, has accumulated 75 points in 73 games, demonstrating his consistent offensive production. His 115 hits further highlight his ability to contribute physically.
Goaltending
James Reimer has been a reliable option in the net with a 6-4 record and 199 saves this season. His recent performances suggest he will be a crucial factor in the Senators’ defensive strategy against the Panthers.
Linus Ullmark, with 23 wins in 42 games, also provides a solid goaltending presence, although his 115 goals against highlight potential vulnerabilities the Senators need to address.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 5: 4-1 (80.0%)
- SU Last 10: 7-3 (70.0%)
- Puckline Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Puckline Last 5: 2-3 (40.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-3 (0.0%)
Recent Performance
The Senators have shown a mixed bag of results in recent games, notably losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins. However, victories against the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings demonstrate their potential to bounce back.
In their recent win against the Rangers, the Senators limited their opponent to just one goal, showcasing their defensive capabilities when fully engaged. This kind of performance will be essential against a strong Panthers lineup.
Panthers vs Senators Prediction: Florida Panthers +142
The Florida Panthers have had a challenging season, but they have shown they can compete with the Ottawa Senators, as evidenced by their 2-0 record against them this season. Florida’s recent struggles, including six losses in their last eight games, could make them more focused on securing a victory at home. Despite their overall record, they have managed a 13-10 record as underdogs this season, showcasing their ability to surprise stronger teams.
Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators have maintained a solid performance throughout the season, but their recent injuries on defense could be a vulnerability. With key defensemen like Thomas Chabot and Lassi Thomson expected to miss multiple games, the Senators’ defensive structure may be compromised. The Panthers, with their knowledge of the Senators’ defensive gaps, have a chance to capitalize on these shortcomings.
The Panthers’ recent form and home advantage at the Amerant Bank Arena, where they have defeated Ottawa before, adds a layer of confidence for their fans. Additionally, the Panthers have a track record of playing well against the Senators this season, suggesting they could continue their winning streak. Given the close nature of past games, Florida might edge out Ottawa once again.
Considering these factors, the Florida Panthers present a valuable pick at +142 odds. Their previous victories against Ottawa this season, coupled with the Senators’ defensive concerns, make the Panthers a potentially profitable underdog bet. Look for the Panthers to secure a narrow win in a competitive game.
- Panthers vs Senators Prediction: Florida Panthers +142
- Panthers vs Senators Score: Panthers 3 – Senators 2
