Although he said he didn't miss being the coach, Bryan Murray said it was good to be back, even though he was greeted with another less-than-stellar performance.

"No, I really didn't (miss it). When I got behind the bench last night though, it was a good feeling to get back. I didn't like the way we played all the time, but it was good and I hope that I can bring something to them," Murray said.

The Senators lost to the Philadelphia Flyers in a 3-1 game Thursday night.

Murray's first order of business is to get the Senators playing to their skill level, he said.

"Mainly it's trying to get up to a level of play that I think we're certainly capable of and not showing right now."

The game marked their seventh loss in nine games and their 15th in 22.

The Senators fired head coach John Paddock on Wednesday and announced that Murray, the team's general manager, will return as the head man.

Murray was at the helm last year when Ottawa reached the Stanley Cup finals, but after the playoffs he decided to take the GM job and hire Paddock as head coach.

Thursday was Murray's first game back behind the bench and the players are hoping this move will turn the team around.

"It doesn't change too much, just gives a fresh face. Bryan's there to give us a kick in the behind because it feels like we're slacking a bit," said Senator Jason Spezza.

Spezza's still fuming about being kicked out of Thursday's game for butt-ending Philadelphia's Braydon Couburn.

He has the Senators only goal in the last three games as the offence has virtually disappeared.

"We're looking for it and I think the team's not giving it to us right now. We've got to get into the dirty areas getting in front of the net and score some of those dirty goals," Senator Dany Heatley said.

One of the complaints with Paddock was the way he handled the goaltending situation. Ray Emery made 35 saves Thursday night but it will be Martin Gerber's turn against the Penguins Saturday.

But that "win and your in" strategy is over.

"I'm just going to make a decision without telling anybody," Murray said.

With a report from CTV's Corey Ginther

With files from TSN