DETROIT -- Linus Ullmark made 31 saves for the Ottawa Senators, who held off a late rally by the Detroit Red Wings for a 4-3 win at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

The Ottawa Senators picked up a critical two points in the drive to make the playoffs in the Motor City. The Senators tightened their grip on the first wild-card spot in the East with only 11 games left in the season.