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Tuesday, December 7, 1999
Sens get a workout
There was no denying Jacques Martin's message yesterday. The Senators coach put his team through an exhausting practice, followed by an off-ice workout.
"After the losses we've had, it was obvious we were going to have a tough practice," said Vaclav Prospal. "The practice was just a follow-up to what's been said in the meetings -- we have to work harder."
Despite a 3-6-1 record in their past 10 games, the Senators remain fifth in the Eastern Conference with 31 points.
Martin was satisfied with the effort in a 3-1 loss to Dallas Saturday, but he's unhappy with how many goals the team is giving up. In the past 10 games the Senators have allowed 33 goals. In its first 17, the team had given up just 35.
"That's uncharacteristic of us," said Martin. "We need to get back to basics."
Prospal admits things can get frustrating when you're not winning.
"We need to be stronger on the puck, along the boards and not having as many turnovers," Prospal said. "This team is good enough to not stay in the hole. It's been a rough time, but we're still in good shape. This team has more power, we just haven't been showing it."
IMPORTANT STRETCH
Martin sees the next seven games, prior to Christmas, as crucial to the team's ultimate success.
"We've got to get ourselves ready for those seven games before Christmas," said Martin. "We have to get some results. We've played 27 games, it's important to look at where we are now and where we want to go."
There is some good news. Daniel Alfredsson got medical clearance to take part in full practice, for the first time since tearing the MCL in his right knee on Oct. 21. Alfredsson hopes to return Saturday against the New York Islanders.
"I'm very eager to get back and Jacques will probably have to watch me a bit," said Alfredsson. "I'll have to go out and play smart."
He's confident the team will work its way out of this dismal stretch.
"Every team has its ups and downs, it's a learning process," he said. "The only thing you can't do is feel sorry for yourself."
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