Ottawa Senators: Why The Sens Keep Getting Thumped
![Feb 24, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; Ottawa Senators defensemen Erik Karlsson (65) goes over the boards against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports Feb 24, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; Ottawa Senators defensemen Erik Karlsson (65) goes over the boards against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/03f5c5f6d0cce98a09a911d48287b562c3fc4d94b7f1e0809be254307202363e.jpg)
The Idea Of A Defensive System Is To Not Leak Goals
More from SenShot
- Crunch. Crush. Grind. Mash. The Tyler Kleven Story
- Belleville Senators: What To Expect In 2023-24
- Daniel Alfredsson and Marian Hossa Hit The Ice One Final Time
- Ottawa Senators: Something’s Got to Give
- Hot Pierre Summer 2.0? Let’s Talk About The Ottawa Senators Offseason So Far!
So it would seem, the Sens on the majority of nights seem able to build a wall. On the remaining nights, the wall is torn down in the most horrific of fashion.
In their last eight games they have shipped 19 goals, which on the face of it isn’t exactly a leak but it’s the contrast in performances that is so alarming. Barring last night, on the whole the Sens have looked ok in their last eight games.
There are simply too many games like that Tampa game last night. Buffalo and St. Louis is still cemented in my memory. All five goals were from range at the Amalie Arena, shot-blocking was poor as was the overall defensive effort.
They say that attack is the best form of defense. In hockey that rings true, if you’re centres aren’t playing defensively enough, gaps show and thus shots reign upon your goaltender.