Ottawa 67s vs Gatineau Olympiques Prediction at 17-01-2026

Anticipation Builds: Ottawa 67s vs Gatineau Olympiques

On January 17, 2026, hockey aficionados will be treated to a thrilling matchup in the Ontario Hockey League as the Ottawa 67s host the Gatineau Olympiques. This game is woven into the fabric of regional rivalry with both teams clawing for positioning as the playoff picture starts to take shape. With the stakes high, both squads will be looking to capitalize on recent momentum while also dealing with the pressures that come with such a storied face-off.

Team Analysis: Ottawa 67s

The Ottawa 67s have demonstrated a potent mix of offensive firepower and tactical discipline this season. Holding a record of 24-10-3, they are currently ranked third in the Eastern Conference. In their last five outings, the team has a record of 4 wins and 1 loss, showcasing a resurgence that points towards strong playoff aspirations. Central to their success has been star forward Marco Rossi, who leads the team in scoring with 20 goals and 30 assists so far this season. His ability to create plays and find the back of the net will be crucial against Gatineau.

However, the 67s have shown vulnerability in their defensive zone. The stats reveal that Ottawa has conceded 3.2 goals per game on average, a figure that they need to refine to maintain championship aspirations. Additionally, their power play efficiency sits at around 18%, slightly below league average.

Team Analysis: Gatineau Olympiques

The Gatineau Olympiques travel to Ottawa entering the contest with a record of 22-12-3, placing them fifth in the Eastern Conference. Their recent form reflects a competitive spirit, boasting a 3-1-1 record in the last five games. The highlight for Gatineau has been the rise of Alexis Lafrenière, whose skill as a dynamic playmaker has seen him notch 25 assists this season, alongside solid goal-scoring.

Defensively, the Olympiques have been slightly more robust than their rivals, allowing 2.8 goals per game and maintaining a power play conversion rate of 22%. This efficiency will be key, especially in capitalizing on any late-game penalties that may arise due to the intensity of the rivalry.

Head-to-Head and Venue Dynamics

In the previous five meetings between these two teams, the 67s hold a slight edge with 3 wins compared to the Olympiques' 2. Each match has showcased aggressive play and high stakes, often resulting in games that are decided by a single goal. The last encounter ended in a thrilling 4-3 victory for Ottawa, hinting at how tightly contested this rivalry can be.

With this game being held at the TD Place arena, the home crowd is expected to provide a raucous atmosphere, potentially giving the 67s an added advantage. Historically, Ottawa performs better on home ice with a significant increase in both scoring and defensive resilience at home compared to their away performances.

External Factors and Final Prediction

Weather conditions on game day are projected to be cold with a slight chance of snowfall, which tends to elevate the intensity in the rink as players channel that energy into their performance. Both teams have a relatively clean bill of health, with no significant injuries reported, allowing them to field their strongest lineups.

With playoff positioning on the line and a storied rivalry between these teams, I predict a closely contested matchup. The Ottawa 67s will leverage their home ice advantage and the dynamic play of Marco Rossi to edge out the Olympiques in a tight contest. The final score is projected to be Ottawa 67s 4, Gatineau Olympiques 3. For betting enthusiasts, consider placing a wager on the total goals exceeding 6, given the recent scoring trends and defensive inconsistencies on both sides.