The Ottawa Senators view their next two games, played in Sweden this week, as an opportunity to restart their season.
In the last nine duels, head coach DJ Smith’s team has only won three times and lost six times in regular time. The 46-year-old believes this trip to European soil couldn’t come at a better time for his players.
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“We want to go [en Suède] and win, but above all we want to come back as a changed team afterwards, said the person who, according to the website NHL.com, is at the helm of the “Sens” for the fifth time. “It’s almost like a retreat where we can get away from the distractions and just play hockey.”
There have been many distractions in Ottawa since the campaign began. Specifically, a 41-game suspension for forward Shane Pinto, who still had not signed a contract with the team, and forced waivers imposed by the league on a first-round draft pick Dadonov due to the organization’s mismanagement in a trade involving forward Evgenii In 2021, General Manager Pierre Dorion finally resigned on November 1st.
The team from the federal capital is in eighth and last place in the Atlantic Section with 12 points in 13 games. However, she has a two-game lead over most of her direct opponents.
A unique opportunity
Similar to training, goalkeeper Anton Forsberg did not have the start to the season he had hoped for, as his record of two wins in five games shows. He maintained a goals-against average of 3.79 and an efficiency percentage of 0.833.
Originally from Härnösand, Sweden, he wants to use his return home to get back on the right track.
“I’m going to do what I do all the time: work hard and focus on the details,” said the 30-year-old masked man. Of course the trip to Sweden will be very pleasant and I will be able to take the opportunity to see my family and friends. I hope this creates more joy and motivation to get back on track.”
Swedish defender Erik Brannström will also be in familiar surroundings. The Eksjo native believes it is important for the NHL to hold such meetings so that fans around the world feel involved in the activities of the Bettman Zone.
“It’s great,” the 24-year-old guard exclaimed. I watched the NHL when I was young. I think I would have been very happy if a team had come to play in Sweden back then.”
The Senators will first face the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday. Then they’ll cross swords with the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. Both games will take place at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm.