The Nashville Predators will try to avoid matching their
longest losing streak in franchise history tonight in a matchup with the
Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place.
The Predators, who have scored a league-low 11 goals on the season, have lost
six in a row (0-5-1) since starting the season with back-to-back victories. It
marks the first time they have lost six straight since October 10-23, 2007.
A setback tonight would match the franchise-record seven consecutive defeats
the club posted from November 20-December 2, 1999.
Nashville's latest loss came last night, a 3-2 setback to Boston. Jerred
Smithson scored, as did 2008 seventh overall pick Colin Wilson, his first-
career tally. Rookie defenseman Cody Franson also collected his first NHL
point with an assist on Smithson's goal.
Dan Ellis made 24 saves for the Predators, who were playing their first game
since placing Jason Arnott on injured reserve because of an arm injury.
Nashville's last two losses have come at the start of a five-game road trip
that also features trips to Chicago and Minnesota. The Preds are 1-2-1 on the
road this year.
The Senators have won two straight and five of six following Saturday's 3-1
defeat of the Canadiens. Alex Kovalev returned to Montreal for the first time
since signing with Ottawa in the offseason and notched a goal and an assist.
Daniel Alfredsson also chipped in a goal and a helper, while Chris Neil
tallied for the Senators. Pascal Leclaire was solid in net, turning aside 27
of the 28 shots he faced.
Ottawa hopes to have Jason Spezza tonight after he left practice early on
Wednesday due to an unknown injury.
"It's a bit of a nagging injury," Spezza told Ottawa's Web site. "It's been
bugging me a bit and that's why I'm trying to take care of it right now. We'll
kind of evaluate [things] as the next couple of days go on and see how I
feel."
Spezza has posted three straight 30-plus goal seasons, but the 26-year-old has
just four assists without a goal in seven games so far this year.
The Senators posted a 2-0 shutout over the Predators last year in Nashville
and have won three of the last five meetings between the clubs. The Preds have
lost four of their last six in Ottawa.
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