When the final buzzer sounded in TD Garden, the scoreboard read: Boston 6, Ottawa 0. As the Bruins celebrated their victory and headed to the locker room, the Senators, clearly embarrassed by another no-show against a divisional opponent, tried to skate off the ice without creating any more of a circus. This is the current state of affairs in Ottawa, as a proud franchise has been reduced to laughing stock of the league in a matter of three short weeks.

Another blowout loss certainly hasn't done wonders for job security on this club, as numerous rumors have suggested that Cory Clouston's time is officially up as the head coach. Some are speculating that he could be released by the weekend; the optimists believe he might make it the duration of the season. Yes, the most optimistic outlook for Ottawa's embattled head coach is that he won't be fired until the end of the season - the same man who made a serious run at the Jack Adams just one year ago.

On practice Wednesday(OS), media types gathered around with piqued interest about how this team would continue to implode, and they didn't have to wait long. Goaltending coach Rick Wamsley absolutely let loose on his uninspired team for their lack of effort, and ten minutes later, Chris Neil and Chris Campoli decided to drop the gloves and exchange words with fists. I can only imagine this fight had something to do with Chris Campoli's horrifying turnover and subsequent lack of effort last night, and I also imagine this is Chris Neil's way of trying to light a spark under this team. Give Neil credit here, though: He remains the only vocal leader in the clubhouse, and he continues to show some fight and emotion on the ice. Again, say what you want about the seasoned veterans in Sergei Gonchar, Daniel Alfredsson, Chris Phillips, and the rest who "lead by example," but I haven't seen their alleged star clout rubbing off on anyone in a positive manner. Glad to see someone step up and start calling players out, because this team's in need of a serious wake-up call.

It hasn't taken long for the trade rumor mill to get going again, either, with the latest target being Mike Fisher. Before I offer my two cents, let me first explain to you that the Mike Fisher/Chris Phillips trade rumors aren't going to subside until the trade deadline officially passes, regardless of no-trade clauses. They are two players with real and measurable value that teams have and will seriously inquire about.

As for Fisher, his no movement clause makes trading him a bit tricky, but fans should remember that he always has the right to waive such a clause if it's in his best interest. That's why rumors of him always being moved to two cities, Los Angeles and Nashville, always exist, as both the Kings and Predators are highly competitive and play in cities that Mrs. Fisher would undoubtedly enjoy. Some will argue that Carrie Underwood has no real say in whether or not Mike Fisher allows Ottawa to shop his services to these two clubs, but to those naysayers, I ask, "Have you ever seen Carrie Underwood?" I'd walk twenty miles in ten feet of snow for her. But, I digress.

LA's recent alleged push for Mike Fisher makes sense in more ways than one - they get ahead of potential bidders at the trade deadline, potentially land Fisher for less return than he would get in March, and pad their depth at center as they prepare for a lengthy playoff push. Right now, it's pretty much the Anze Kopitar show in Los Angeles, as Michal Handzus has been inconsistent, and Jarret Stoll going from scoring dynamo to essentially invisible, mired in a fifteen game scoreless streak(he broke it on the eighth against CBJ). At any rate, a move here makes a lot of sense, but again, Fisher would have to oblige.

Quick Notes

-Corey Locke is expected to start tomorrow night and will skate along Ryan Shannon and Nick Foligno, two energy guys.

-Robin Lehner will also get the nod - not a complete surprise, either. Brian Elliott has to be a little fatigued from playing every night behind this laughing stock of a defense.

-Both Mike Brodeur and Jim O'Brien were sent back down to Bingo after the game against the Bruins.

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