Vegas Golden Knights Aim to Bounce Back Against Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators are set to face off against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. The matchup is a crucial one as the Senators (8-9-1) look to improve their record against the formidable Golden Knights (11-5-2), who currently lead the odds at -275, while Ottawa stands at +220. The over/under for total goals in the game is set at 6.5, indicating a potentially high-scoring affair.

In their previous outing, the Vegas Golden Knights fell short against the Washington Capitals, losing 5-2. Despite dominating possession with 42 shots, the Golden Knights could only convert two chances, missing out on a power-play opportunity. Currently, they lead the NHL with 72 goals this season while conceding 57. The team has demonstrated offensive prowess, particularly with their power play, achieving a 34.04% success rate from 47 opportunities. The Golden Knights’ effectiveness is evident in their overall 12.9% shooting percentage, which has contributed significantly to their 24 points in the league.

Guarding the net for the Golden Knights is Ilya Samsonov. Throughout his career, Samsonov has maintained a save percentage of .903 with a goals-against average of 2.88 over 9,656 minutes played. He has an impressive track record with a win-loss tally of 105-41-22 from 177 professional games. His experience brings a steady presence to the Vegas defense.

The Ottawa Senators face an uphill battle, having recently lost to the Edmonton Oilers 5-2. The Senators, despite converting 2 out of 29 shots on goal, were unable to capitalize on power-play opportunities. This season, Ottawa has totaled 57 goals, comprising 41 at even strength and 16 with a man advantage, underscoring their strategic approach to offensive play. They rank 6th in the NHL with 579 shots, yet their conversion rate of 9.84% highlights the need for improved accuracy.

Linus Ullmark will be the starting netminder for the Senators. With a career save percentage of .917, Ullmark has proven his capabilities in 258 career games. He has a lifetime record of 142-78-24, demonstrating consistent performance with a quality start percentage of 62.9. His presence on the ice will be crucial if the Senators are to thwart the Golden Knights’ dynamic attack.

As both teams prepare for the match, expert predictions from Tony Sink suggest favoring the Vegas Golden Knights, who have been tipped at -275. With both teams looking to secure crucial points, fans can anticipate a tightly contested game displayed on TSN.