Sens struggling on the road

Team barely hanging onto playoff contender status

OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators wrapped up their longest stretch of away games this week, having played 10 of their last 11 games from the visitors' bench prior to hosting the New York Rangers on Friday night. The team knew they would be facing their biggest challenge in the schedule this season. 

Anthony Cirelli and Patrik Laine have found tremendous success playing alongside each other and managed to string together some impressive point streaks but there have been some nights where Ottawa hasn't been able to manage much offence. In six of their last 7 games, Ottawa has only managed to score 2 or fewer goals against their opponents. A startling statistic that has sparked rumours GM Matt Watters may be trying to add more scoring to the team. With big names like Jeff Skinner, Jonathan Toews and Drew Doughty all seemingly available on the trade market, there is plenty out there the GM can do to improve his team this year - but at what cost to the long term plan for this team? It appears as though some sources have claimed Ottawa is very close to acquiring Toews from the Islanders. A move that would have Sens fans enamoured and a final sign that the rebuild in Ottawa is over and the team is ready to compete. Only time will tell if this deal comes to fruition.

One bright spot for the Senators during this tough stretch has been the powerplay. The team is finally figuring things out and currently ranks 5th in the league with the man advantage. Much of the credit due to the training staff who have managed to keep the players healthy after string of injuries in the early parts of the season.

Despite the latest losses, the team remains in playoff contention nearing the midway part of the season. Much credit to their strong start. The next stretch of games has Ottawa playing in their hometown barn with SEVEN divisional matches. The team will have to capitalize in order to separate themselves from the pack in the Atlantic division.

One thing is for sure, hockey in Ottawa is exciting again!