Ottawa Senators: Why The Sens Keep Getting Thumped

Last night’s thumping in Tampa was just another big loss for this outfit. When this team wins they just about get there. When they lose, it gets ugly.

Attacking Prowess (Or Lack Of)

Yes, the Sens have been deflated with the endless list of injuries, but guess what, other NHL teams have injuries too.

In their four-game road trip the Ottawa Senators have scored five goals, that’s right, five goals. That’s an average of 1.25 goals per game. The league average last year was 2.74 goals per team per game.

When you lose some of your best forwards to injury, yes it’s difficult but there are still talented players in the farm. Also, when your number one offensive output is a defenseman, the scoring shouldn’t fall off the face of the earth.

The Sens are operating a defensive system, this isn’t new to us. However, there comes a point where you need to match the defensive with some offensive. The Sens simply don’t look like scoring in those games were they go behind.

The Burrows trade clearly not wetting the appetite for the Sens faithful, who are hungry for more offense.

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.

Next: Seduce The Sedins

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.