The Value of a good start

Prelude - To talk sports is to use cliches. Here is an example. 'The team is off to a hot start.' How insightful. Yet, right now we have a great example. Ottawa just lost its 4th game in a row. Yet, they are still in first. That's the power of great start.

Sport - Hockey

Event - Ottawa Senators lose to the New York Islanders. They have now lost four games in a row.

Issue
Four losses in a row is usually indicative that something is going wrong. Not cause for panic. However, the Sens have now lost 5 out of their past 6 games. Two losses are shoot-out losses. Meaning, these games could have just as easily been won.

When the losses pile up, the focus turn to goal scoring. Of note, the Sens have scored one less goal then they have given up in the past five games. The previous sixth game was a 3-0 loss to the Leafs. The issue, therefore, is that they just aren't scoring like they did at the start.

Perhaps they are starting to play like the rest of the league.

Point to say - "So, the Sens have lost four games in a row. What's going on?

Follow up point - "Maybe this will start up the talk about who should be playing nets for the Sens."

Get out of the conversation - "I'm sure the Sens will turn it around soon."

Backgrounder
Daniel Alfredsson, who plays on their top line, missed a few games with a groin injury. He was back for the game against the Islanders.

Link

Sens past game results.