Sens need to 'go all in on hockey' after recent off-ice distractions

Ottawa Senators players and coaching staff are staying focused on what's happening on the ice, according to the head coach, a day after the team and former general manager Pierre Dorion parted ways.

'Obviously there's been some distractions the last week or so but that has nothing to do with the players'

Ottawa Senators players and coaching staff are staying focused on what's happening on the ice, according to the head coach, a day after the team and former general manager Pierre Dorion parted ways.

The announcement that Dorion resigned was made during a press conference on Wednesday in the wake of the NHL's ruling to strip the club of a first-round draft pick for its role in the voided trade of Evgenii Dadonov from the Vegas Golden Knights to the Anaheim Ducks in March 2022.

And that news came on the heels of the team finding out that unsigned restricted free agent Shane Pinto would be suspended for 41 games for sports betting.

"Obviously there's been some distractions the last week or so but that has nothing to do with the players," head coach D.J. Smith said Thursday.

"They have a job to do, we as coaches have a job to do. It's a new month, a new day and we have to be ready to play, there's no excuses."

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Smith said Dorion's departure is the tough part of being in professional sports.

"I'm very thankful for him for giving me my opportunity to come here," he said.

"As in sports, it's unfortunate for the families … but this is part of the business. This is the hard part of the business."

Captain Brady Tkachuk echoed that sentiment.

"He drafted us, he believed in us from the start," he said, adding he did have the chance to wish Dorion well Wednesday.

"Hate to see somebody lose a job."

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Featured VideoThe Sens centre has been suspended for 41 games this season for sports betting-related activities. We’ll hear from a sports economist about the history of sports betting — and just how common it is for athletes to take part.

Kings in town

The team was getting ready for a showdown at Canadian Tire Centre Thursday with the Los Angeles Kings in town.

Tkachuk said one of the best ways to get through the adversity is focusing on hockey.

"I think our focus has to go all in on hockey right now," he said.

"Sticking together and focus together on a team that's been playing solid; they're undefeated on the road," he said.

"Just focus on our game. I've always believed that when we're playing our game we're a tough team to handle."