The Senators will attempt to end a three game mini-slump when they continue their road trip in the U.S. Capitol to face Alex Ovechkin and the Caps.

Ovechkin's third period hat trick helped the Capitals come from behind for a 5-4 shootout victory on the opening night of the season back in early October.

Ottawa has but an overtime loss to show for their 3 games played since returning from Sweden, during which they have managed just 3 goals for.

Not by coincidence, the Sens power play has been dismal of late, going 0 for 11 in this three game skid, which contributes to the lack of offense. Look for Dion Phaneuf to take a spot in front of Braden Holtby while the Senators are on the man advantage as the Senators look for an answer to creating traffic. On the heels of my Bobby Ryan take a couple of days ago, that might be the spot I would prefer to see Ryan play, a spot that he was effective in last spring during the playoffs.

Thomas Chabot has been recalled in the wake of the hit on Mark Borowiecki that gave the bruising defenseman a concussion. Chabot and Ben Harpur will play as part of a seven blueline rotation, while Chris DiDomenico will be the forward coming out of the lineup.

The Capitals have lost 3 of their last 4, and have had trouble keeping the puck out of their own net, allowing 17 goals in those games, so Ottawa will have an opportunity to get back into the offensive groove they have had for most of the season.

Win or lose, I think the effort and consistency is the important thing as they try to work out of the doldrums they are in.

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