Shootout still a problem for Senators

Advantage Margin: -37
The Senators drew fewer power plays (257) than any team except New Jersey. They also gave visiting opponents 18 more power plays than they earned in their 41 games at Scotiabank Place, the worst figure in the League.

Special Teams Goal Margin: -1
Ottawa's power play was much better at home (27 goals, 20.8 percent) than on the road (18 goals, 14.2 percent). The penalty kill was better on the road (22 goals allowed, 84.9 percent) than at home (26 goals allowed, 82.4 percent).

Goals by defensemen: 28
The Senators' disappointment at the lack of production from big-ticket free agent Sergei Gonchar (7 goals, 20 assists in 67 games) partially was offset by the blossoming of 2008 first-rounder Erik Karlsson, who had a breakout season with 13 goals and 45 points, second on the team.

Overtime Record
Total: 4-5-5 OT: 2-5 SO: 2-5
If the shootout ever comes up for a vote again, expect the Senators to choose "no." Ottawa's 18 wins in six seasons of the tiebreaker are the fewest of any team. Senators shooters were last in the NHL last season at 3-for-22 (13.6 percent).

Times Scored First: 38
Record: 24-10-4
The Senators won only 56 percent of their games (10-6-2) when scoring first at home. They were better away from Scotiabank Place, getting the first goal 20 times and going 14-4-2 in those games.

Best 2010-11 Number: 12-4-0
Ottawa's record on Thursdays. Not only did the Senators lead the NHL in wins on Thursdays, it was the only day of the week in which the Senators posted a winning record. Even more remarkable, the Senators went 7-1-0 on the road on Thursdays -- but just 9-19-5 away from home on the other six days of the week.

Worst 2010-11 Number: 5-9-4
Ottawa's record against the Western Conference, the worst mark by any team in games against the opposite conference.       
   
Scheduling
Ottawa starts with games at Detroit and Toronto, and then plays 10 of the next 14 at home before a six-game trip. The Senators play 11 of 15 at home between Dec. 5 and Jan. 5, end January on a six-game road trip and have their longest homestand, a five-gamer, to start February.