Ullmark's Hot Start Has Senators Worth Backing Over Sputtering Preds

The Predators roll into Ottawa on Saturday night, and frankly, they're walking into a buzzsaw. Linus Ullmark has been absolutely ridiculous through three starts—a .956 save percentage and 1.13 GAA that makes you wonder if he's playing a different sport than everyone else. Meanwhile, Juuse Saros has been merely mortal at .916 and 2.72 GAA, which is a Grand Canyon-sized gap when you're trying to steal points on the road.

Nashville's road form hasn't inspired confidence either. They're 1-1 away from Bridgestone, surrendering 3.5 goals per game and looking shaky in their own zone. Ottawa, by contrast, has been stingy at home—one game, one goal allowed, and a tidy 3-1 record overall that suggests they've figured some things out early.

At -160, the Senators are priced like a 59% favorite, but that feels light given the goaltending mismatch. When one netminder is standing on his head and the other is just treading water, you ride the hot hand. DarkHorse is backing Ottawa at -160 with moderate confidence, and it's hard to argue. The Preds need Saros to steal this one, and right now, Ullmark isn't letting anyone steal anything. Lay the price and trust the better goalie.