New Jersey vs Ottawa Prediction 12 April 2026
🔊 A clash between inconsistency and form: New Jersey continue to play in fits and starts, frequently faltering in defense, while Ottawa have gained momentum and are confidently converting their chances. The question is whether the Devils can put up a fight at home or if the Senators will maintain their streak and overwhelm with their pace?
Head-to-Head
📊 This season, the teams have faced off twice, each claiming a victory. New Jersey initially secured an away win (4-3), but Ottawa responded decisively on their home ice (4-1). Looking at a broader sample, the Senators hold the upper hand with 4 wins in the last 5 matchups against the Devils, indicating that Ottawa's playing style poses challenges for New Jersey.
Head-to-head statistics New Jersey - Ottawa

New Jersey Devils Team Overview
The New Jersey Devils are currently 13th in the Eastern Conference, with 85 points and a goal difference of 226-247 (-21). They head into their next game following a victory over the Detroit Red Wings (5-3), where the game was closely contested for a long stretch. However, the Devils stepped up in the third period, scoring three goals to turn the tide.
Despite this win, challenges persist. They recently suffered heavy defeats against the Philadelphia Flyers (1-5) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (2-5), where they struggled during the games and couldn't handle the pressure. Overall, New Jersey has been inconsistent, particularly in defense and transitioning from offense to defense. It's also worth noting a trend: the total has gone over 5.5 goals in eight consecutive home games, indicating a high pace and frequent mistakes in their own zone.
Match Results: New Jersey Devils

Ottawa Senators Team Overview
The Ottawa Senators currently sit in 6th place in the Eastern Conference, amassing 96 points with a goal difference of 272-241 (+31). The team heads into their next game riding a four-game winning streak and is one of the standout performers during this stretch.
In their most recent outing, Ottawa confidently defeated the Islanders 3-0: they opened the scoring in the first period, maintained the pace in the second, and sealed the victory with two more goals in the third. Prior to that, they secured impressive wins over Tampa Bay (6-2) and the Florida Panthers (5-1), showcasing dominance through speed and pressure. Despite a recent setback against the Minnesota Wild (1-4), their current form remains strong. Notably, Ottawa's attack has been consistent, scoring more than 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 7 games.
Match Results: Ottawa Senators
⚡️ Key Players
For New Jersey, Jack Hughes has racked up 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) over the last 5 games, serving as the main offensive catalyst. Jesper Bratt has contributed 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists), playing a crucial role in quick attacks. Timo Meier adds power to their finishing with 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists).In Ottawa, Brady Tkachuk has accumulated 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists) in the past 5 games, leading the team forward. Tim Stützle matches that with 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists), consistently creating and capitalizing on opportunities. Drake Batherson has been effective in power plays and positional attacks with 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists).
🥅 Goalies
For New Jersey, Allen (2.74 GAA; 90.4% save percentage) seems to be the primary choice and can maintain his level, though much depends on the defense's performance. Markström (3.07 GAA; 88.3% save percentage) is having a less stable season. Overall, their goaltending line struggles under pressure.In Ottawa, Ullmark (2.73 GAA; 89.1% save percentage) remains a reliable first-choice goalie, allowing the team to play more aggressively. Reimer (2.42 GAA; 88.3% save percentage) is a solid rotation option. Overall, the visitors' goaltending appears more confident.
Editorial Prediction
In this matchup, keep an eye on Ottawa. The Senators are in great form and consistently capitalize on their chances, scoring at least three goals in six of their last seven games, showcasing their attacking efficiency and confidence in finishing.
Additionally, consider the head-to-head encounters and the defensive weaknesses of the hosts: in both games this season, Ottawa scored three or more goals, while New Jersey have conceded 20 goals in their last five home games (averaging four per game). Given the visitors' form and the Devils' defensive struggles, our editorial choice is Ottawa's team total over 2.5 goals.