Senators coach Paul MacLean: 'I'm scared to death no matter who we're playing'

Ottawa Senators coach Paul MacLean doesn't seem to have a lot of faith in his team.

MacLean was asked about facing a slumping Sidney Crosby ahead of Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and his response raised a few eyebrows.

"All I know is I'm scared to death no matter who we're playing," MacLean told reporters. "Whether it's Sidney Crosby or John Tavares or the Sedins, I go day-by-day and I'm just scared to death every day of who we're playing. And sometimes, I'm scared to death of who I'm playing."

MacLean is in his fourth season as head coach of the Senators, sporting a 113-90-35 record, but the team is on track to miss the playoffs for a second straight season. His comment could be a playful reference to the perils of being an NHL coach, or perhaps it's an indication he's unhappy with the roster management has given him.

MacLean's fears were realized in Ottawa's 3-2 loss to the Penguins, which extended the Senators' winless skid to five games. Crosby recorded an assist in the victory for his first point in four games.