Phillips' week ends on a downer

What seemed like Chris Phillips week in Ottawa ended on a sour note.

The veteran defenseman played his 1,000th game against Nashville on Thursday and celebrated the occasion with his first two goals of the season, including the winner, in a 4-3 win. Before Saturday's game against Edmonton, the Senators had a ceremony to honor Phillips, during which the 14-year veteran received accolades, gifts and plenty of applause.

Phillips said his "thank you" speech, then was one of the main culprits to blame on two goals against in a 4-3 loss. On a blue line that boasts three young players, the Senators need better from a guy who has been around as long as Phillips.

The result left the Senators with four points from the 10 that were on the table during a five-game homestand.

"Overall, it was disappointing," Alfredsson said of the past handful. "But the positive is: In the last few games, we've played pretty good. The last two we got three out of four points. That's something to build on."

The hard hats come on next in the Sunshine State, where the Senators face Tampa on Tuesday and Florida on Wednesday. The Panthers game looms especially large, as it appears they are a team the Senators should be battling with for the last playoff spot.

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