Not exactly what the doctor ordered for the Senators as they play the middle game of their road trip with a matinee at Staples Center against the LA Kings.
Even worse, is that the Kings have been resting for 4 days, since a 4-2 win over the Red Wings. LA holds an 8 point lead over the Coyotes in the Pacific Division.
Just over a month ago the Senators exploded for 4 second period goals en route to a 5-3 win over the Kings at CTC, led by 3 point efforts from Mike Hoffman and Mika Zibanejad. The Senators haven't reached that level of offensive output since, the closest being the 4 they scored a few nights later against the Sharks (who they will visit next).
Lack of offense has been the precursor to this slide and fixing that will be the key to ending it. The Senators have been held to 2 goals or less in 6 of their last 7 games, not a recipe for success for this club that plays things pretty loose.
Changes look like they will be made, such as they are. Alex Chiasson will return to the lineup in place of Max McCormick and Freddie Claesson returns in Chris Wideman's roster spot but will likely play with Erik Karlsson.
A good note was that Andrew Hammond rejoined the team yesterday, but Craig Anderson will start against the Kings. With LA set to play a divisional game against the rival Ducks tomorrow, they haven't officially named a starting goalie yet for this one, but could be leaning toward Jhonas Enroth and saving Quick for the Ducks.
That would be good news for the Senators, as Quick has just 1 regulation loss since the Senators game and Enroth hasn't won a game since Nov. 12th. However, the Senators have developed a habit of making goalies, starters and backups alike, look good. So while facing Enroth would be preferable, they must focus on burying their own chances as opposed to worrying about who is between the pipes for the opposition.
Vincent Lecavalier will be playing his fourth game for the Kings since being acquired along with Luke Schenn from the Flyers. Lecavalier played almost 15 minutes and was 81% in the faceoff circle against the Wings.
I have given up trying to suggest what the outcome, let alone the effort or execution will be from this Senators team. All I can hope for is fewer head shakes or "what was that?"s and they put forth a combination of effort and execution, win or lose.