Devils' Elias on fans booing after 5th straight loss: 'We didn't deserve that'

The New Jersey Devils were booed by their home fans as they lost their fifth consecutive game Wednesday night against the Ottawa Senators, and Patrik Elias said the reaction was unnecessary.

"Obviously, the fans, they were booing," the Devils forward told reporters after the 2-0 loss. "They were disappointed. So were we. Trust me. But, we didn't deserve that today."

Elias, who returned after missing five games with a groin injury, said the booing wasn't warranted based on the team's play.

"The effort was there. We were the better team. We understand it, but it wasn't deserved tonight. I didn't appreciate it."

Elias registered five shots on goal but didn't record a point. The Devils out-shot the Senators 34-16, but Ottawa goaltender Craig Anderson stopped all 34 shots for the shutout.

"Everybody gets booed some time. We know when we deserve it," Elias said. "We dominated the entire game. We played in their zone pretty much most of the time all game long."

The Devils have lost eight of their last 10 games, including five straight at home.