Paul MacLean can breathe a sigh of relief, because his Ottawa Senators have finally ended a seven game slump, with a home win over the Nashville Predators. Jason Spezza outplayed former Senator Mike Fisher, adding two goals and an assist in the victory.
The Predators did not put in their best effort, but at this point any win is a positive for the Northeast division team. After a promising midseason standing at second place, they fell apart at the worst possible time, and seemed to hit a new low every game, with losses during the stretch to the Islanders and Ducks. The fanbase has been loyal to the team since day one, but this slump was particularly disheartening when you consider how talented the roster is.
Martin Erat was the star for the Predators, adding a goal and an assist to his statline, but it was not enough as his team fell 4-3. Nashville has now lost 3 of their last 4, and while they are still playing good hockey, these February losses can start to pile up.
While the 18,592 in attendance can enjoy this win for the Senators, the celebration should not be too long-lived because the team has the Bruins, Blackhawks and Red Wings in their next 3. If they did not get the win tonight who knows how long the losing streak may have lasted.