FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS
-During this slump, I’ve been seeing a lot of comments about lack of structure. Really wish someone with a proven hockey knowledge (any Coaches out there?) could elaborate on that a bit because I watched closely last night, and I don’t see it. In fact, the Senators biggest issue at times seems to be too much structure, especially in their own end of the rink. Guys stick to their spot on the ice and have a hard time forcing turnovers and breaking opponent cycle. Plan on watching other teams a little closer to see if what Ottawa does is that different from other teams.
-The biggest problem I see right now is an inability to make basic five to ten foot passes. The puck doesn’t get out of their zone with any fluidity or pace. Often, defenceman are resorting to the easy play, and going off the glass or just chipping the puck out. Giving away possession, essentially. Watch that second period again. And any second period for that matter. Errant passes and bobbled pucks by the forwards are killing this team more than anything. That ain’t Coaching. The new Head Coach would also expect the team to make and receive passes. It’s sort of fundamental to the game of hockey.
-Now that I’ve said all that, I actually feel like the Senators have been much better defensively the last couple games. They’ve still been guilty of allowing prolonged periods of opposition possession but like I said above, that’s a product of an emphasis on holding their position on the ice and trying not to ‘run around’ as much. A look at the three Islander goals last night- bad turnover at the offensive blueline, wraparound, wraparound. In the first and third period anyway, Ottawa didn’t give up a whole lot. The problem the last couple games is while they’ve been safer/more structured in their own end, they have created almost zero offence.
-After an ugly road trip, the Senators will be relieved to at least come away with a single point. 3 of 10 on the five game road trip isn’t nearly good enough and has seen the Sens fall off the pace a bit in the East. For the first time this season I found myself looking down in the standings instead of up. And let me tell ya, those Buffalo Sabres aren’t that far back. Five points as of this morning. Schedule is pretty tough the next couple weeks but at least they get to come home for a little bit. Need to go on a bit of a run to make up for a disappointing road trip.
-For fans anyway, the focus can now shift to Thursday night and what should be a memorable day in Ottawa sports history. It would have been nice to come home to Alfie night on a winning note but the team should get a little bit of a lift from Thursdays festivities and if nothing else, it’s a welcome distraction. More on Alfie later this morning.
