The Ottawa Senators' penalty kill has become a major point of concern this season, prompting a significant shakeup that could define the trajectory of their year. After struggling mightily, head coach Travis Green has reassigned responsibilities within the coaching staff, signaling a clear need for change.

The Senators' penalty kill has been among the league's worst, and the team's inability to effectively shut down opposing power plays has cost them valuable points in the standings. The statistics paint a grim picture, with a penalty-kill percentage that ranks near the bottom of the NHL. This deficiency has been a recurring issue, with past attempts to rectify the situation yielding minimal improvements.

One of the key adjustments involves shifting coaching duties related to the penalty kill. While the specifics of the reassignment haven't been fully disclosed, the move suggests a change in strategy and approach. Coach Green alluded to the need for a "new voice" and a "different look," indicating that the existing system wasn't producing the desired results.

The Senators' struggles on the penalty kill can be attributed to several factors. Goaltending has been inconsistent, with the team posting a league-low save percentage while shorthanded. However, defensive breakdowns, poor puck management, and a lack of aggression have also contributed to the unit's ineffectiveness. The team's struggles in the faceoff circle during penalty kills have further compounded the issue, often leading to immediate scoring opportunities for the opposition.

The timing of this shakeup is critical, as the Senators face a pivotal stretch of games that will determine their playoff fate. With the team currently on the outside of the playoff picture, every point matters, and improving the penalty kill is essential to their chances of climbing the standings. The Senators' recent game against the Carolina Hurricanes highlighted the importance of a strong penalty kill, as the Hurricanes went 4-for-4 on the penalty kill, preventing the Senators from gaining momentum.

The changes to the penalty kill also coincide with instability in the Senators' goaltending situation. With Linus Ullmark taking a leave of absence, the team will rely on James Reimer to provide stability in net. Reimer's performance, coupled with the effectiveness of the revamped penalty kill, will be crucial to the Senators' success.

The Senators' penalty-kill shakeup represents a defining moment in their season. The coaching changes reflect a sense of urgency and a recognition that the status quo was not sustainable. Whether these adjustments will translate into tangible improvements remains to be seen, but the team's ability to fix its penalty kill will likely determine whether they can make a serious push for a playoff spot.