The Ottawa Senators have now lost seven straight hockey games and have seen their playoff cushion shrink to two points.
Life doesn’t get any easier for the Sens either as the always competitive Nashville Predators are in town tomorrow night. The Preds have won seven of their past ten and currently sit in fifth in the West and just three points out of top spot in the NHL
The Sens held a players only meeting after last night’s loss and clearly recognize the desperation of the situation they are in.
With just 26 games left in their season, the Sens have to start picking up points or they will watch a strong start go to waste this year. There is still time to get this ship turned around but it has to start now with two tough Western opponents visiting SBP to close out the week.
At practice today, Bobby Butler found himself back in the mix with the Sens top six forwards. He has spent a couple games in the press box but looks like he’ll have a chance to return to the line up tomorrow night. Based on what we saw at practice this morning, it looks like all of the lines will be juggled tomorrow night.
Michalek-Spezza-Butler
Greening-Turris-Alfredsson
Daugavins-Smith-Condra
Foligno-Konopka-Neil
MacLean did not name his starting goalie.
- If the Senators decide to put out a “For Sale” sign before the deadline you can be sure they will get some calls. In a market where a number of teams will be looking for defensive help, both Sergei Gonchar and Filip Kuba could draw interest.
- I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, and although it takes some of the fun out of the trade deadline, I do not expect the Sens to take any salary back in a deal.
- The Ottawa Senators made announcements today regarding next year's season ticket package under the slogan "Powering Forward". The good news is ticket prices will drop on 40% of seats at SBP. Season seats are up 13% to 11,300. The team is hoping to hit 13,000. Interesting to note that Daniel Alfredsson is featured in the advertising around next season's ticket packages. For more information, go here.
