Ottawa Senators vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 10/09/25

The Tampa Bay Lightning kick off their 2025-2026 campaign at home against a divisional opponent, the Ottawa Senators. The Lightning are coming off a disappointing early exit from the playoffs as they lost to the Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers in five games. This iteration of the Lightning is very solid. Their forward group is very deep, solidified by their third line which consists of a healthy Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde. Let’s not forget about their lethal first line that can score goals in bunches. All of this is backed by a good defence group and an even better goalie. I expect the Lightning to be in competition for the top spot in the Atlantic Division come the end of the season, and it all starts on Thursday night against the Senators.

The Senators are a difficult team to play against and hey will be looking to build on their trip to the playoffs last season. They should once again be competing for a playoff spot, but they are out-classed by the skilled veteran lineup of the Lightning. They will need a strong game from Linus Ullmark to keep them in it. I like the Lightning to get it done on home ice; I will be taking them on the money line.

Senators vs. Lightning prediction: Lightning ML (-165) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.