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Senators conclude woeful road trip in Boston

Jan 8, 2009 - 11:32 AM Ottawa (13-19-6) at Boston (29-7-4), 7:00 pm EST

BOSTON (Ticker) -- With rumors swirling around the status of their coach and general manager, the Ottawa Senators will look to end their season-long road swing on a positive note.

It will not be easy for the Senators, who conclude their eight-game trip against the Boston Bruins on Thursday.

Ottawa is 1-5-1 on its journey, losing its last three contests - including Tuesday's 4-2 setback to the Buffalo Sabres. Jason Spezza scored both goals for the Senators, who have an NHL-worst four road wins this season.

A win over the Eastern Conference's top team would go a long ways for Ottawa coach Craig Hartsburg, who - along with general manager Bryan Murray - could be on the "chopping block."

Multiple reports surfaced Wednesday saying that the pair would be fired and replaced by Pat Quinn and Bob Nicholson in the near future. Senators owner Eugene Melnyk refuted those claims.

"Contrary to what is being reported today by the media, I have made no decisions with respect to any personnel changes within the Senators organization," he said. "Winning remains our No. 1 priority and there is a collective focus by our management, our coaching staff and our players to deliver this to our fans."

The Bruins' invincibility at home as faded over the last two contests.

After the Buffalo Sabres ended Boston's 10-game winning streak and 14-game run at the TD Banknorth Garden, the Bruins suffered a 1-0 home loss to the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday.

Boston, which is 14-3-1 at home, hopes to avoid its first three-game losing skid since October 20-23.