Will the road be kind?

Posted by Gord Wilson on December 4, 2007

And so begins a stretch of five straight games on the road for the struggling Senators. And on the road  may be the best place for this team to regroup, refocus and remind themselves that they're better than  their recent record would indicate.

Senators are winless in their last six games, four of which have been played at home. Coming into Tampa early has allowed the team some much needed 'together' time. Players quietly talk about what's  happened on the ice ... veterans get together with some of the younger players, slumping players get a  chance to take a deep breath and try to regain their touch in perhaps a more relaxed atmosphere.

Senators  held a  good practice  yesterday, sloppy at first, but it picked in the latter stages with some pretty intense defensive zone coverage  drills. Lines at practice  yesterday looked like this...

15-19-27

71-12-11

20-22-25

10-37-16

Don't be surprised if we see some changes with the defence pairings. And  Ray Emery makes his 6th start of the year, he's 4-2 lifetime against the Lightning.

I went to the Bolts' practice yesterday. Despite coming off a 4-1 home-ice win over the Bruins on Saturday, coach John Tortorella was at his vocal finest on the ice. He's loud and gets the players' attention. He's also a treat to deal with from a media standpoint. Entertaining and to the point.

The first period could be the key for the Senators tonight. Almost more than anything, they need a good start.

This one is on Sportsnet with Dean Brown and Garry Galley, yours truly and Dave Schreiber have the call of the game on the Team 1200 radio network.

Enjoy everyone, talk to you tomorrow from Sunrise, Fla.

cheers,

gord