Deadspin: Frustrated Ducks seek a fresh start against Senators after blown leads

Ducks seek defensive reset

Anaheim started October with four wins in five games but has since gone 1-6-1 over its past eight. On Thursday, the Ducks led Buffalo 3-1 midway through the first period before losing 7-6 at home.

The collapse followed another late lead lost Tuesday: Anaheim was ahead 5-2 against Vancouver with less than eight minutes remaining, then fell 6-5 in overtime. The Ducks have allowed 37 goals during their current slide, and their 3.85 goals-against average is second-highest in the NHL, ahead of Vancouver’s 4.53.

Cutter Gauthier said the team needs to be more predictable and protect leads with greater maturity. He also said defensive work must improve, noting that the goalies have been left exposed.

Brossoit gets the call

Signed as a free agent in the offseason, Brossoit has played parts of 11 NHL seasons. Lukas Dostal has a 3.56 goals-against average and .872 save percentage, while Ville Husso has a 4.12 average and .857 save percentage.

Ottawa builds on San Jose win

The Senators are seeking a second consecutive win in the penultimate game of a five-game road trip. They lost 4-1 to Vegas on Tuesday, then earned a point in a 6-5 overtime loss to Los Angeles on Thursday before beating San Jose 5-1 on Saturday.

Coach Travis Green praised Ottawa’s effort from the opening puck drop through the end of the game, saying the team made San Jose play in its own zone. Drake Batherson scored his ninth goal and extended his point streak to seven games, with 12 points in that span.

Stutzle leads Senators scoring

Stutzle has been held scoreless only three times in the first 15 games and has not gone without a point in consecutive games. Batherson’s ninth goal tied him with Stutzle for the team lead in goals.