Burakovsky And Ersson Address Their Very Slow Starts In Ottawa

Ottawa Senators offseason acquisitions Andre Burakovsky and Samuel Ersson have both addressed their difficult starts to the season. Despite the Senators opening with an 8-4 record, Burakovsky remains scoreless through six games, while Ersson holds an 0-3 record with a 4.59 goals-against average. Both players admitted their performances have not met expectations as they work to adjust to head coach Travis Green's system.

General manager Steve Staios acquired both players for fifth- and sixth-round draft picks to bolster Ottawa's depth. However, Burakovsky was recently made a healthy scratch, and Ersson was bypassed for third-string goaltender Jonas Johansson after an injury to starting netminder Linus Ullmark. Writer Steve Warne notes that while it is early, the low acquisition costs highlight the risks associated with both additions.