Ottawa vs Chicago Prediction: No Bright Future for the Hawks

Prediction for the NHL Ottawa Senators vs Chicago Blackhawks match, which will take place on February 18th. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the team conditions! Several betting options are available.

Ottawa has been one of the weakest teams in the NHL in recent years. They have been gradually gaining experience to get into the playoffs. It looked like it would be difficult to do, as the Senators got off to a lousy start. But their recent results make you wonder. At the end of January, the Reds and Blacks had a great start gaining six wins in the last seven games and losing only once - 3-6 against Edmonton. Ottawa remains 13th in the Eastern Conference, only seven points behind the top-8.

Chicago, alas, is having a disgusting season. The rebuilding continues, and major stars are awaiting options to continue their careers. The Hawks can't tackle big things in the next few years, as the roster renewal process will be long and painful. Nevertheless, they suddenly had a swell stretch in January, winning six out of seven games. That's where the results went down. Luke Richardson's wards have suffered five defeats in the last six meetings, with one win over Arizona, 4-3. Chicago is later in the Western Conference standings.

In the first half of the season, Ottawa and Chicago were outsiders without joining the playoff battle. While the Hawks are the weakest team with poor results, the Senators have suddenly improved. D.J. Smith's team had six wins in their previous seven games, confirming their good form. That's how they moved closer to the playoffs. Now on the spur of the moment, they can go even closer to the top-8.

Ottawa vs Chicago in recent years has been productive. In the seven previous encounters, the opponents have scored 54 goals (7.71 on average per game). Now both teams are outside the top eight and have nothing to lose, so they have every opportunity to put on another entertaining and packed with goals encounter.