Sliding Senators look to rebound against Thrashers

Atlanta (8-13-3) at Ottawa (8-10-4) 7:00 p.m. EST

OTTAWA (Ticker) -- The Ottawa Senators appeared to be on the
right track after forging back-to-back wins following a six-game
losing streak. But, after enduring another dismal loss, the
Senators are still searching for answers.

Ottawa tries to avoid its eighth setback in the last 10 games on
Wednesday when they host the struggling Atlanta Thrashers.

The Senators have made the playoffs each of the last 11 seasons,
but thus far have not looked like a team destined to return to
the postseason.

After a 0-4-2 stretch in the middle of November, Ottawa
rebounded with two wins against the New York Rangers and Toronto
Maple Leafs. However, the Senators closed the month on Saturday
by dropping a 4-2 decision to the New York Islanders, who are in
last place in the Atlantic Division.

Despite finishing second in the NHL with 261 goals last season,
the Senators have struggled to find the back of the net this
campaign. Ottawa's offense second to last, averaging 2.32 goals
per game and has registered a league-low 51 total tallies.

The Senators big three of Jason Spezza, Dany Heatley and Daniel
Alfredsson should be able to get something going against the
Thrashers, who lead the NHL with 87 goals allowed.

After erasing a 3-0 deficit in the third period, Atlanta endured
a 5-4 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday.

The Thrashers are 1-6-1 in their last eight contests after
putting together a five-game win streak.