You have to wonder if head coach DJ Smith days in Ottawa are numbered. General manager Pierre Dorion did emphasize that there would be no coaching change. He stated, «DJ Smith is our coach.» Even though Dorion made supportive comments about Smith, things have not gone the way the Senators had hoped. You have to wonder at what point Dorion starts thinking about a change.
It looked like a promising off-season for the Senators. They signed local hometown star Claude Giroux, they traded for Alex DeBrincat, and Shane Pinto and Jake Sanderson look like good young players for the organization. None of this has translated into a winning hockey club. Part of the Senators problem has been keeping the puck out of their own net.
If DJ Smith and the Senators can't get things turned around quickly, their hopes of competing for a playoff spot could dwindle. In such a competitive hockey league, it is very difficult to overcome long losing streaks and make the playoffs. Ottawa is on the road to take on the red hot New Jersey Devils tonight and then head to Philadelphia on Saturday. If the Senators don't perform well, DJ Smith's job could be on the line.
POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 12 | 23 ANSWERS Ottawa Senators' fan base starting campaign to get coach fired Should DJ Smith be fired? | ||
Yes, he should | 15 | 65.2 % |
No, he's their right coach | 8 | 34.8 % |
List of polls |