Despite the efforts of two-way star Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators coach Dave Cameron is questioning his team's physicality as it continues to let points slip away.
Ottawa's homestand isn't getting any easier against the resurgent Columbus Blue Jackets.
A red-hot Karlsson and the Senators hope to avoid a third straight loss and eighth in 11 home games Thursday night against the Blue Jackets, who have won a season-best three in a row.
Ottawa (8-5-5) hoped to make a positive push during a season-high five-game stay. But after a 3-2 win over Vancouver in the opener, it suffered a 2-1 shootout loss to the New York Rangers on Saturday and a 4-3 overtime defeat to Detroit on Monday.