The Ottawa Senators are now only one loss from elimination.
Yesterday, a 4-1 loss at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins gave a 3-0 series lead to Pittsburgh. If we go back only three months ago, nobody would've believed that the Senators would ever finish 7th in the Eastern conference and nobody would've believed that the Sens could ever lose their first three playoff games. Three months ago, the Senators were comfortably on top of the Eastern conference and looked like a sure bet for the playoffs.
I have been following hockey for over three decades and I cannot recall such a collapse during a single season. So what happened with the Senators? How can such a solid looking team completely collapse?
The answer is self-destruction.
So how did the Senators go from a serious contender to figurant?
First we have to take a look at the players, more specifically at the team's unity and chemistry. During the course of the season, goaltender Ray Emery was not satisfied being pushed aside by head coach John Paddock in favor of Martin Gerber. Emery on December 30th came late for a team practice and was fined while drawing negative attention from the fans, the press and from his own teammates. Nothing to help a team's unity.
The Ray Emery problem wasn't solved by the General Manager either. Instead of sending the goaltender elsewhere to clear the air, (trading Emery for a dozen of sticks would've been some kind of viable solution) the Senators have kept him on board, decaying the team chemistry for sure.
Early in February, the Senators have traded forward Patrick Eaves and defensemen Joe Corvo to the Carolina Hurricanes in return for forward Cory Stillman and defenseman Mike Commodore. The trade looked profitable for the Senators at first glance but in reality the trade was an awful one for them. The Senators defensive unit has been depleted greatly with the departure of Corvo.
Then on February 27th came the firing of head coach John Paddock by the General Manager Brian Murray who took the head coaching job himself. The change did not bring anything positive for the Senators. In fact, instead of firing John Paddock, Brian Murray should've fire himself for the team's lack of consistency. Brian Murray is in fact responsible for the collapse of his own team: Murray kept troublemaker Ray Emery on board, Murray fired his head coach and Murray traded Eaves and Corvo out of Ottawa.
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and you have a perfect recipe for self-destruction.
(Picture: Sidney Crosby and Martin Gerber, Canadian Press.)
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4 months ago
I agree that Emery needed to be shipped off, but the blame shouldn't fall solely on Murray for not moving him, I'm not sure anyone wanted him. For example, Bryzgalov hit waivers, and I imagine any GM would trade for Bryzgalov before Emery.
from 4 months ago
you are a retard Anthony. Just like any Ottawa citizen, you know nothing about hockey! the Bryzgalov waiver thing happened a long time before Emery became a nuisance in Ottawa.
from 4 months ago
Well I'm not an Ottawa citizen... and I know lots about hockey... and the timing of the Bryzgalov waiver has nothing to do with my example. Bryzgalov is a great goaltender, doesn't have a big contract, nothing to really stop a team in need of goaltending to avoid picking him up, so the fact that he fell to waivers proves the goalie market was dead. Trying to deal Emery, at any point, would have been dificult for Murray, regardless of his reputation mid-season.
4 months ago
there have been rumours I heard on TV that Emery would have been gone to the Blackhawks, but Chicago finally stopped the deal due to Emery's reputation
from 4 months ago
When abouts did you hear this, mid-season or recently? I would think that would have been a terrible deal for Chicago, they really don't have any need for Emery, Lalime did as good or better than Emery would have in the same role. Emery certainly wouldn't have taken the number one position.
from 4 months ago
it was about the begining of the playoffs that i have heard it. I was myself really surprised that someone acutally wanted Emery ...
u're right about Lalime, Chicago's future looks bright with this guy. For the sens, I think they still two years on emery's contract ?
from 4 months ago
Yup, he signed a 3 year deal before this season as I recall. Lalime certainly isn't the future in Chicago though, and I wouldn't recommend any team bank on him, after his stint with the Senators I really can't believe in the guy.
from 4 months ago
Lalime has not been so bad. he has been behind Khabibulin and I admit he had tough times, especially back in December-january. But let's say on a second goalie basis, he is not that bad.
let's suppose the deal was made, maybe Emery would have become again the goalie of last year? a kind or re-birth ... i guess I am going to far. the risk is not worth taking
from 4 months ago
As a backup, Lalime has played as arguably the best backup this season, but if Khabi were out for an extended period of time, I wouldn't bank on Lalime if I were them. Emery being traded to Buffalo would be funny I think, being the heat he had with the population of Buffalo last year in the playoffs.
from 4 months ago
lol, for sure!
4 months ago
As a Penguins fan I'm just glad to see my team put the cherry on top of the Senator's collapse. After that silliness about the Pens dropping the last game of the season to play the Senators it was readily apparent the finger should have been pointing inward instead of outward. Let's face it, ANY team in the playoffs this year would knock off the Senators in a 7 game series. I'm just glad the Senators are there for the Pens to erase the bad taste from last year and gain valuable experience before playing a real team next round.
Don't let the door to the dressing room hit you on the behind Wednesday night.
from 4 months ago
Penguins will be beating a dead horse on Wednesday night, atleast 6 goals for the Pens. It's a shame Ottawa couldn't muster a decent effort to make this a real series, instead of whatever this has been. Oh well, hard pill to swallow, but I'll suck it up and wait for next season.
2 months ago
Great article, agree about Murray being the problem. Emery needs to grow-up. Was hurt, Gerber beat him out and was given chances to reclaim starter but didn't look good. I think GM Murray should be fired over trading Corvo. We all knew Redden, was done in Ottawa and Corvo would have filled his shoes. Now we are going to regret not resigning, Wade. I hope they sign both Stillman & Commodore, if not every Sens fan better be screaming for Murray to be fired for his stupid blunder.
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