There are no plausible explanations or half-baked justifications for the Ottawa Senators’ struggle to move up from last place in the NHL’s Eastern Conference.
Yes, they haven’t played as many games as anyone else. And reason would dictate that they would advance in the standings by winning a few of those games. However, if they continue to play as they did on Tuesday, when they lost 4-1 to Carolina, and on Thursday, when they lost 4-2 at St. Louis, that will not occur.
There’s just so much you can take from the memories of the Senators’ most recent postseason appearance, which took place in 2016–17. It becomes boring. Supporters grow grumpy. They take actions like demanding the coach’s dismissal. Things get disorganized.
There have been brief moments of brilliance from the Senators. However, flashes are only that—flashes. There is no evidence that this team can continue to be successful in the long run.
Better outcomes are required given the roster’s inclusion of Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Claude Giroux, and Jake Sanderson.
Fans won’t come over until the Senators start playing consistently. Why would they believe? They won’t believe.
The Senators’ play on special teams this season has been appalling. With a 17.2% conversion rate, Ottawa were 22nd in the league heading into Friday (New Jersey led with 31.8%).
Following Tuesday’s home loss, center Josh Norris responded, “(It’s) shit,” when asked about the power play. It’s harsh. Please pardon my language.
In terms of penalty kill efficiency, the Senators ranked a dismal 28th (at 73.4%); just 15 teams performed better than 80%, with Boston leading the way at 90.1%.
The issues are becoming worse. Playing position seems to go wrong far too frequently. They do inadequately when it comes to rebound defense. They don’t generate enough traffic to make it difficult for the opposition goaltender to see. Both ends of the ice are inadequately physical.
Who is then at fault?
The trainers? Do the plans and systems not function? Do they not adapt to the game well enough? I’m not sure if D.J. Smith is the issue; the fan base seems to strongly disagree.
The participants? Sometimes they appear disoriented and unmotivated.
