Pittsburgh vs Ottawa Prediction 3 February 2026
🔊 Last week's undefeated teams from the East are set to determine whose streak will continue and who will have to start anew. Can the giant slayers close the gap on the playoff spots? Let's break down this NHL regular-season matchup and offer our prediction for the game on February 3rd.
Head-to-Head
📊 Over the past five seasons, these teams have faced off 13 times: the Penguins have claimed victory in 4 encounters, while the Senators have emerged triumphant in 9. Pittsburgh has failed to score against their opponents in the last three consecutive games, with their most recent goal in this head-to-head dating back to December 2024. On home ice, the Penguins haven't managed a regulation-time win against the Canadian side in five straight games-during this stretch, Pittsburgh has suffered four losses and secured one win via shootout.
Head-to-head statistics Pittsburgh - Ottawa
Pittsburgh Penguins Team Overview
Dan Muse's team is on a fantastic run, winning their last six games, with the Penguins netting 6 goals in four of those encounters. Pittsburgh's average scoring during this stretch is an impressive 5 goals per game. Thanks to a successful ten-day run, the Penguins (67 points) have overtaken both Buffalo (67) and the Islanders (65) in the Eastern Conference standings, and they even hold third place in terms of points lost.
In their previous game against the Rangers, Pittsburgh's players gave Sidney Crosby a reason to rejoice by holding a ceremony honoring the tenth anniversary of their 2016 Stanley Cup victory. However, they also gave all their fans a scare when a 5-1 lead at the start of the third period turned into a nail-biting 6-5 finish.
The Penguins, already missing injured defensemen Ryan Graves and Jack St. Ivany, also lost Kris Letang, as the 38-year-old defenseman did not play against the Rangers. Suspended Bryan Rust will miss his third consecutive game but is expected to be available for selection against the Islanders the following day.
Match Results: Pittsburgh Penguins
Ottawa Senators Team Overview
After their 4-1 victory over New Jersey, the Ottawa players have secured their third winning streak of the season-and their first since late November. Notably, the Canadian club's scoring prowess during this stretch is impressive. Against the Devils, as well as Western Conference leaders Colorado and Vegas, Travis Green's team netted 16 goals (averaging over 5 per game), swiftly climbing into the top 10 most prolific teams this season with 180 goals.
However, the Senators remain inconsistent on the road-they have yet to win two consecutive away games in 2026. Their shaky performances away from home (third from last in the conference) are hindering Ottawa's push toward the top eight in the East, with an eight-point gap from the fifth spot in the Atlantic Division.
Defenseman Thomas Chabot is expected to return for the game against the Penguins, while David Perron's comeback is slated for mid-March.
Match Results: Ottawa Senators
⚡️ Key Players
The primary scoring force for the Penguins is Sidney Crosby (27+31). The 38-year-old forward snapped a brief scoreless streak by providing an assist against the Rangers. In the previous game, defenseman Erik Karlsson became the 12th player in NHL history to notch his 700th career assist. The scoring streaks continue for Evgeni Malkin (5 games, 3+3), Anthony Mantha (4 games, 5+3), and Benjamin Kindel (3 games, 4+1).
The top scorer for the Canadians is Tim Stützle, who has tallied 3+3 over the last four games. Jake Sanderson holds the role of primary playmaker with 34 assists, following a double-assist effort against the Devils. Brady Tkachuk has been on a three-game point streak, posting 2+5.
🥅 Goaltenders
In the game against the Rangers, Stuart Skinner returned to the net for a dismal statistical performance with a 75% save percentage and only 15 saves. His backup, Arturs Silovs, has seen his save percentage dip below 90 just once in his last five outings.
After a month-long absence, Senators' primary goalie Linus Ullmark made his return, stopping 96.3% of shots with 26 saves against New Jersey. In comparison, neither James Reimer nor Mads Søgaard, who filled in during January, reached such a mark.
Editors' Prediction
In a matchup between teams averaging five goals per game last week, it's tempting to bet on the total score. However, let's look at another statistic - Ottawa's performance in second periods. The Canadian club ranks in the top-10 for both goals scored and allowed during the second twenty minutes.
In 12 of their last 14 away games, the Senators have both scored and conceded in the second period. Trusting the stats, we'll go with both teams to score in the second period.
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Betting Tips: Pittsburgh Penguins - Ottawa Senators
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