SPORTSNET.CA

Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson admits that a big part of his team’s struggles this season are a result of his team’s inability to overcome adversity and show mental toughness.

“We’re very fragile,” Alfredsson said on Friday afternoon. “When we get a goal against us, we get away from our game plan. We don’t follow through and trust. It’s individual mistakes and when we make them, we can’t overcome them.”

Alfredsson drew the ire of head coach Craig Hartsburg after Thursday’s 6-4 loss in Boston, when he turned the puck over in his own zone, which led directly to the Bruins go-ahead goal. Alfredsson said that during this slump, he has tried to take too much responsibility onto his shoulders and has gotten away from the team concept at times.

“I’m the perfect example of that. I’m trying to do too much.” Alfredsson admitted. “Sometimes when you want something really bad, you try and do too much. Last night (Thursday’s loss) was the perfect example.”

Alfredsson and the Senators collected just one win during their eight-game road trip. They currently sit in last place in the Northeast Division and their string of 11 consecutive post-season berths is in serious jeopardy. Alfredsson told reporters on Thursday in Boston that he did not think that a coaching change would solve any of their current problems.

“I think everyone is looking for answers,” Alfredsson added. “This has been going on since last year after 25 games. It’s been a long stretch. It’s been tough, but we can’t feel sorry for ourselves.”