Capitals seeking answers

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - For a team desperate for a win few places are less appealing to play than Ottawa.

But that’s the challenge the struggling Capitals face entering tonight’s game at Scotiabank Place against the Senators (13-1-0), Stanley Cup finalists last season and off to the best start in NHL history.

That a trip to Ottawa comes up now is typical considering how the first month of the season has gone for the Caps (5-9-1). Despite the offseason addition of three key free agents and a top draft pick they are tied for last in the Eastern Conference with 11 points.

“We have to be able to score more than one goal. And I guess it’s not even a matter of scoring as it is capitalizing on our chances,” said coach Glen Hanlon. “That’s been the case for a while except for the Toronto game.”

The Caps scored seven goals against the Maple Leafs on Oct. 29, their lone win in seven games. In the six losses, including Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat at Atlanta, the Caps have scored just eight goals.

Part of those offensive woes can be attributed to injuries to Alexander Semin (38 goals last season) and Chris Clark (30 goals), who have missed 15 games combined and have totaled just five points.

But it is still a bewildering position for a team that has played better defensively than through the first 15 games of last season. Then the Caps allowed an average of 36 shots per game and 50 goals. That is down to 29.8 shots per game and 42 goals in 15 games this year.

“Lately we’ve been playing well for the most part,” said Caps forward Brooks Laich. “We just haven’t been getting the results. Whether we’re just not getting pucks to the net or not getting bodies to the net or maybe just not working hard enough to get the breaks.”

Capitals at Senators

When » Tonight, 7:30

Where » Scotiabank Place

TV » CSN +

Radio » 107.7 FM/820, 1500 AM

bmcnally@dcexaminer.com

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