Two days ago, we wrote about the Ottawa Senators and how they were quite bad defensively and how head coach Dave Cameron said they weren’t playing with any “pride” and how captain Erik Karlsson said they were a “budget team” that needed to “realize we’re a grinding team.”
Turns out it was a well-timed post, because the Sens lost 7-2 to Connor McDavid’s Oilers last night. One of the local newspapers called it a “disgraceful” defeat. Ottawa is now tied with the Blue Jackets for the highest goals-against average in the NHL (3.15).
And so the Sens had one of those closed-door meetings that struggling teams often have.
“We just had a little chat after the game,” defenseman Marc Methot told the Ottawa Citizen. “The only guys who can affect the outcome in the games coming up is the group in this room. We’re going to have to find it.”
This morning, there was another meeting...
11am practice has yet to begin. Not a player in sight. Not surprisingly there is a meeting going on.
— Dean Brown (@PxPOttawa) February 5, 2016
Bobby Ryan says a ton of good dialog in morning meeting
— Dean Brown (@PxPOttawa) February 5, 2016
Meanwhile, Karlsson reiterated his belief that the Sens will need to change their style in order to be successful. The two-time Norris Trophy-winner included himself in that:
Karlsson says if he has to change his game to help the team win he is ready and willing to do it.
— Dean Brown (@PxPOttawa) February 5, 2016
Whatever has to change, the Sens best do it soon, because their chances of making the playoffs are slipping away. Since starting the season 18-12-6, they’re 5-11-0 in their last 16 and have fallen six points behind New Jersey for the second wild-card spot.
At least six surrendered in five Ottawa losses since Christmas
7-3 to Boston, Dec. 29
7-1 to Washington, Jan. 10
6-3 to New Jersey, Jan. 21
6-5 to Pittsburgh, Feb. 2
7-2 to Edmonton, Feb. 4