Senators: One Game Down, Five Left On The Road and Ten Left In The Season

The Ottawa Senators have faced plenty of their own adversity. A statement often spewed needlessly by frustrated coaches.

Although the turbulence at the start of this season had put a damper on their parade, the Senators are taking a different approach to the game as of late in the season, and are slowly moving up the ranks.

Ottawa started off a six-game road trip last night at Madison Square Garden, where they danced around the Rangers like ringleaders at the circus.

It certainly paid off having Mike Comrie back from the flu, one he apparently lost ten pounds from. His opening goal tied up the game, and froze the Rangers on their heels.  

While the Senators kept their feet moving, the Rangers became stationary, almost statue-esque, apparently baffled by the Senators' new motivations.

Rather than playing fancy and over-confidently, the Senators kept their game simple, using outlet passes and creating scoring chances from turnovers, giveaways, and any other misnomers from New York's defense.

Alex Auld played his first game since Brian Elliot started his winning streak and looked rather sharp after the first period goal and only one by the Rangers. Later Ryan Shannon launched a rocket to the back of Lundqvist's net.

This gave the Senators their first win on their road trip, leading them to the Carolina game on Wednesday.  

Coach Cory Clouston has 10 games left to get his team into the off-season, but whether or not this is accomplished, the framework for seasons to come is being established as we speak. The Senators finally have long-term potential.