OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators were searching for answers Saturday after inconsistency and missed opportunities were their undoing, again, in a fifth straight loss. As the team’s struggles continue to mount, it’s becoming increasingly clear that something needs to change — and fast.
The Senators’ latest defeat marked the fifth consecutive game in which they’ve come up short, a streak that has seen them tumble down the standings and into the depths of uncertainty. For a team that was once considered a legitimate playoff contender, the sudden and precipitous decline has been nothing short of stunning.
So, what’s behind the Senators’ slump? Is it simply a matter of bad luck and poor timing, or are there deeper issues at play? According to head coach DJ Smith, the answer lies somewhere in between. "We’ve been getting some good chances, but we’re just not capitalizing on them," Smith explained. "We need to find a way to get more pucks in the net and limit our mistakes."
Smith’s assessment is certainly on point, as the Senators have struggled mightily to find the back of the net during their current slump. Despite averaging a respectable 32 shots per game over their last five outings, the team has managed to score just 10 goals — a paltry output that has left them lagging behind in the scoring department.
But goal-scoring is only half the battle, as the Senators have also struggled to keep pucks out of their own net. The team’s defense has been porous at times, surrendering 23 goals over their last five games — an average of 4.6 goals against per contest. It’s a number that must come down if the Senators hope to turn things around and get back on track.
Despite their struggles, the Senators remain optimistic that they can still turn their season around. With a talented core of players and a healthy dose of grit and determination, the team is confident that they can overcome their current woes and make a push for the playoffs. "We know we have the talent and the ability to compete with anyone in this league," said forward Brady Tkachuk. "We just need to put it all together and go on a run."
For now, however, the Senators will have to content themselves with searching for answers. As they look to snap their five-game losing streak and get back on the winning track, one thing is clear: something needs to change — and fast.