Senators Gear Up for Action-Packed Thanksgiving Home Opener Against Nashville
The Ottawa Senators return to home ice this Thanksgiving for their 2025-26 home opener against the Nashville Predators. The game is set for Monday at 1 PM, as the team looks to build on their successful history in home openers.
Senators’ Strong Home Opener History
The Senators have claimed victory in their last five home openers. Last year, they secured a notable 3-1 win over the Florida Panthers. Coming back from a two-game road trip, Ottawa will aim to continue this trend against Nashville.
Recent Performance Overview
The Senators began the season with mixed results, splitting their opening two games in Florida. They faced a strong challenge from the Tampa Bay Lightning, suffering a 6-2 defeat. This loss raised concerns, particularly regarding goalie Linus Ullmark’s performance and the team’s ineffective penalty kill.
Poor Penalty Killing Stats
- Allowed 5 goals in 8 penalty-kill attempts
- Ranked last in the NHL at the start of the season
Shane Pinto’s Impressive Start
Despite the challenges, Shane Pinto is off to a standout start, scoring four goals in the first two games. His line, alongside veteran Claude Giroux, has been the team’s top performer, contributing a total of eight points.
Nashville Predators’ Season Start
The Predators are currently 1-0-1 after a solid start to the year. They defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 and fell to the Utah Mammoth in overtime with a close score of 3-2. Nashville aims to bounce back from a disappointing previous season.
Key Player to Watch
Brady Martin, the Predators’ fifth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, is one of the new faces in Nashville. The 18-year-old has claimed a spot on the top line, pairing with veterans Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly.
Potential Lineup Changes for the Senators
In preparation for the home opener, the Senators may make changes to their lineup. Tyler Kleven is expected to return from injury, while Donovan Sebrango might sit out. There are also potential adjustments involving Jordan Spence’s debut on the ice.
Injuries Update
Drake Batherson is not expected to play in this game. He is, however, optimistic about returning for Wednesday’s matchup.
Thanksgiving Game Festivities
The Senators have organized a pre-game event starting at 10 AM, featuring local country band Rainwater Whiskey. Fans can enjoy $5 beer, soft drinks, and hot dogs, while kids can partake in activities like face painting and inflatables.
Food Donations Encouraged
Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Ottawa Food Bank, which will be collecting donations at the gates. Additionally, all attendees will receive a schedule magnet and a flashlight sticker for use during the pre-game ceremony.
Projected Lineups
Here are the projected lineups for both teams:
| Predators (1-0-1) | Senators (1-1-0) |
|---|---|
| Filip Forsberg – Brady Martin – Ryan O’Reilly | Brady Tkachuk – Tim Stutzle – Fabian Zetterlund |
| Steven Stamkos – Fedor Svechkov – Luke Evangelista | Ridly Greig – Shane Pinto – Claude Giroux |
| Michael Bunting – Erik Haula – Jonathan Marchessault | David Perron – Dylan Cozens – Michael Amadio |
| Cole Smith – Michael McCarron – Tyson Jost | Nick Cousins – Lars Eller – Olle Lycksell |
| Adam Wilsby – Roman Josi | Jake Sanderson – Artem Zub |
| Brady Skjei – Nick Perbix | Thomas Chabot – Nick Jensen |
| Spencer Stastney – Justin Barron | Tyler Kleven – Jordan Spence |
| Juuse Saros | Linus Ullmark |
As the Senators gear up for an action-packed Thanksgiving home opener against the Nashville Predators, fans are looking forward to an exciting match filled with activities and camaraderie.
