Archive note: Technical commentary has been removed. This remains historical pregame coverage; original selections have been retained where stated.
Ottawa Senators vs Florida Panthers Prediction - March 31, 2026
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.
The Ottawa Senators travel to South Florida to face the struggling Panthers in a matchup that pits a surging Eastern Conference contender against a team desperately seeking stability.
Team Form & Recent Performance
The Senators enter this game in strong form, posting a 6-3-1 record in their last 10 contests with three wins in their most recent five games. Ottawa arrives in Florida well-rested with two days of recovery time since their last game, allowing the team to maintain offensive sharpness while keeping players fresh.
Florida, conversely, is limping through late March with just one win in their last five games and an overall 4-6-0 stretch that reflects significant inconsistency. The Panthers have one day of rest—a normal schedule recovery—but momentum is decidedly against them heading into this matchup. This disparity in recent form is a critical factor in any NHL picks analysis favoring Ottawa.
This 7.94-point differential indicates the Senators are creating significantly higher-quality scoring chances and limiting the Panthers' offensive threats.
This metric is often the strongest predictor of goals scored and conceded, giving Ottawa a structural advantage in shot location and offensive pressure.
Goalie Matchup
Ullmark has been a stabilizing force in goal while benefiting from Ottawa's strong defensive metrics.
Bobrovsky will need a vintage performance to steal this game against an Ottawa team generating elite-level scoring opportunities.
Prediction
WP Hockey Predictor gives the Ottawa Senators a Confident confidence tier, making them our official pick for this matchup. Florida sits at 43.3%.
The Senators' Confident-tier probability reflects a solid but not overwhelming edge; the Panthers certainly possess the talent to steal a road win, but the numbers favor Ottawa in a meaningful way. Run your own prediction with different assumptions to test various scenarios.
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.