Red Wings start swing with stumble, fall to Senators

Ottawa, Ontario — This wasn’t exactly the best way to a start an important four-game trip for the Red Wings.

Hoping to get off to a positive start against the sturdy, impressive Ottawa Senators, the Red Wings didn’t generate enough offense Thursday in a 3-1 loss.

Senators goals from Mark Stone and Alex Burrows (power play) put the Senators ahead for nearly 56 minutes.

Then, Anthony Mantha cut the lead to 2-1 with a power-play goal, his sixth goal of the season, at 16:37 of the 3rd period.

Mantha, in front, deflected a Mike Green shot from the top of the slot, with the Red Wings on a 6-on-4 advantage after coach Jeff Blashill pulled goalie Jimmy Howard for the extra attacker.

The Red Wings put…