In watching the game on Saturday I came to the conclusion that the defensive play of the Sens needs much, much work (brilliant deduction huh?). The defense looked like it was standing still against Boston especially when the Bruins forwards were able to pass at our blueline and skate by the D to get several 2 on 1s. That game could have easily been a real blowout. The Coyotes did the same in the 3rd period on Friday, skate all over the Sens.

The coach better do something or we will soon be sharing the basement with the Leafs for a prolonged period of time. The Bruin forwards were entering the zone unimpeded and with speed that made the defense look really bad. The Kessel goal to make it 4-2 showed Heatly make a feable attempt to back check him but it was really weak.

Gerbs was better and made some nice stops but if the puck continues to fly off his pads back toward the attacking team almost as quickly as they shoot it, then things will get seriously bad in a hurry. You cannot give the opposition continued chances. He has terrible rebound control.

I am not sure what system Hartsburg is trying to instill but so far it is obviously not much different than what we have seen in the last 30 games with the Sens. Here is an equation for you

Lousy defense + Big rebounds = bottom of the division

Our offensive power will win us games but until we tighten up substantially defensively we will not get much better. Giving up 34 shots/game and being in the bottom 6 of the league in shots allowed is not what Hartsburg was shooting for. Improvement needs to come in a hurry. In a few short weeks it will be the 1 year annniversary of the start of the Sens meltdown and there are no signs of imporvement to date, changed names only.