After starting a season-long five-game road trip with a shutout loss, the Vegas Golden Knights will look to avoid a third straight setback on Thursday against the Ottawa Senators.
The 3-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday dropped Vegas to just 3-4-2 on the road this season. It also marked the first time the Golden Knights were shut out since last season at Colorado (Jan. 10).
That loss came on the heels of a 5-2 setback to the Washington Capitals on Sunday. Vegas also lost to the Capitals on Oct. 15, a defeat that started a three-game losing skid (0-2-1).
The Golden Knights entered Wednesday’s setback converting on 35 percent of their road power plays, tops in the NHL, but went 0-for-3 with the extra man in Toronto.
“Yeah, frustrating,” said forward Jack Eichel, who had a six-game point streak snapped in the shutout loss. “Obviously had some power-play opportunities, and our power play has helped us a lot this year but we weren’t able to do that tonight. I think that was sort of the difference. It’s frustrating. We need to find ways to score goals.”
Eichel was asked if the Golden Knights could benefit from a quick turnaround.
“Yeah, obviously we’re playing in like 20 hours,” he replied. “Just learn from the game but we need to be better. It’s frustrating. You lose a few in a row and you don’t want to let this continue to go. Obviously we need to find a way to get two points. It’s as simple as that. We have a competitive group in here and we’ll respond well.”
The Golden Knights will be facing an Ottawa team that also is smarting after a pair of lopsided losses. The Senators followed up a 5-4 overtime loss versus the Philadelphia Flyers last Thursday with a 4-0 setback at the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday and a 5-2 defeat at home to the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday.
The Senators fell behind 3-1 in the first period to the Oilers on a pair of goals by superstar Connor McDavid. They trailed 5-1 midway through the third period before Josh Norris tipped in a Nick Jensen point shot with just 2:24 remaining to close the scoring.
“Flat,” Ottawa coach Travis Green said of his team’s effort. “Not a lot of energy. Not sharp with our execution. We looked flat tonight. It’s frustrating for sure.”
“I think as a group, and I think myself as well, the first two periods are probably the worst two periods I’ve played,” Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot said. “You’ve got to take some ownership. Fortunately, in hockey you have a chance to go at it soon again.”
Ottawa captain Brady Tkachuk said he expects his team to bounce back with a strong effort versus Vegas.
“No more (expletive) excuses,” Tkachuk said. “Right now every game is a must-win. These are the moments, the games that could turn a season around. We know we’re a good team.”
“We know it’s going to be a tough game against Vegas,” forward Drake Batherson added. “They know how to win. Obviously they won a (Stanley) Cup a few years ago so it will be a good one. Just got to be ready to ground it out.”
