Ottawa Senators

Have you ever had a dream; A dream that has been lingering for so many years, that it’s just bound to become reality? Ottawa Senators fans have had that dream nearly realized and destroyed so many times that they were beginning to lose hope. But after a turbulent few years, the light at the end of the tunnel started getting brighter again. Once bankruptcy protection came and went Senators fans could taste it once more- perhaps for real this time. After bankruptcy protection, the Ottawa Senators hockey club became a much better team. This was due to new ownership, skilled players, excellent coaching, and a strong work ethic. Before bankruptcy protection, they seemed to have had the tools for success but were always thwarted in either the first or second round of the playoffs. It’s much different now however; with all the changes that have taken place they are a much better team; this begins with ownership.

            Rod Bryden, the long time former owner of the Ottawa Senators, lost a bid to repurchase the team in February of 2003. He had a deal with an investor to help purchase the team which had eventually fallen through. The American based company Nelson Peltz had pulled out of the running before the deal could go through; this prevented Bryden from repurchasing the team. Biovail owner and billionaire Eugene Melnyk put in a “cash only” bid once Bryden and Bryden’s investor has discontinued their bid. Melnyk, with a $1.4 billion net worth, now owns the Ottawa Senators hockey club; the team’s future is secure. Melnyk has quickly become regarded as an energetic and enthusiastic owner, actively participating in team affairs. In a rare display, he allows the General Manager and Coaches to do their jobs without any interference.

            Former Ottawa Senators coach Jacques Martin led the team for nine years, molding them into one of the best teams in the NHL today. Despite Martin’s success, the team never made it past the Conference Finals; they did however did make the playoffs six years in a row. Martin’s longevity was due to the great relationships he formed in the Senators organization including the players. His phenomenal ability to take new and young players and turn them into skilled veterans was essential in forming the hockey club that exists today. Despite his longevity, Martin was fired after a decisive loss to Toronto in the 2004/2005 season. Brian Murray, a veteran coach from the minors, was hired that very same year. Murray took over a team which was already in championship form. Because the team was already molded thanks to Jacques Martin, Murray is expected to win the Stanley Cup. Murray is said to have a no nonsense attitude with his players, which will hopefully be an asset in the future.

            Through the work of Ottawa’s general manager, the Senators have acquired some excellent players through the years; because of this they currently have experienced core players, skilled younger players, and great goaltending. Core players consist of the likes of Daniel Alfredsson, Wade Redden, Zdeno Chara, and Dany Heatley. Alfredsson is currently Ottawa’s captain and is a leader through and through; leading by example, he is a natural goal scorer and perhaps one of the smartest players on the ice not only for the Senators but for the league as well. Alternate captains are Redden and Chara who make up the core of Ottawa’s defense. They are true leaders who do their jobs well. Dany Heatley is a new addition to the hockey club; recently traded for Marian Hossa and Greg DeVries, Heatley has begun the season on a high note as he is one of the team leaders in points. Heatley is most certainly a welcome addition to the Sens as his skill is even a match for former Sens’ star Marian Hossa.

            Ottawa’s younger players and rookies are among the best in the league this season. Some of these players include Jason Spezza, Andrej Mezaros, Brian Pothier, and Anton Volchenkov. Spezza is currently in his second year of competition, but it is only his first full year. Spezza is on the first line this year due to obvious confidence from Brian Murray. Spezza’s puck handling and play making abilities are unmistakable as he is among the top point scorers in the league so far this season. Mezaros is in his first season in the NHL and is already showing his outstanding ability as a defenseman. He is already among the top plus/minus players in the league. Brian Pothier, in his second year in the NHL, is showing his abilities as a defenseman in the league. Although it is very early in his career, he has already become a staple on the team. Anton Volchenkov is another player who is exhibiting exceptional play as a defenseman in the league with his physical ability and solid play in his own zone. Although defense is an important part of the Senators’ success, goaltending is the last line of defense.

            Ottawa’s former goaltender Patrick Lalime, although a decent goalie, never had the ability to take the Senators to the Stanley Cup. He was solid during the regular season but he always seemed to let in easy goals when it counted. Goaltending doesn’t seem to be a problem for Ottawa this season, however, having attained veteran Dominik Hasek.

Having won a Stanley Cup, at the age of forty, he is still considered one of the premier goaltenders in the National Hockey League. He is already among league leaders this season and appears to be in the best shape of his life.

            General Manager, John Muckler is a huge reason for the Senators’ success to this point in the club’s existence. Muckler has demonstrated his uncanny ability for trades and acquisitions which benefit the team. An example of this was when John Muckler traded former Senators Captain Alexei Yashin to the New York Islanders for defenseman Zdeno Chara and second round draft pick Jason Spezza; a move which helped solidify Ottawa’s line-up and relieve any media tension caused by Yashin’s constant unwillingness to re-negotiate his contract.

            Ottawa’s pure grit and ability to strive under pressure have been evident for several years. Their players demonstrate very strong work ethic; their willingness to keep going and grind along the boards is evidence of that. Their hard work can be seen in the fact that they have actually made the playoffs eight years in a row and have no intention of not making it this year. Some of the players who demonstrate this grit Ottawa has become known for are Mike Fisher, Chris Neil, and Brian McGratton. Fisher is known for his pure hard work and grinding ability; he also is masterful when cycling the puck along the boards. Mc Gratton, although a rookie, has demonstrated his physical ability as well as the ability to work hard along the boards; he is also extremely good in a fight, being extremely difficult to knock down. Neil, although previously known for being a fighter and enforcer, has spontaneously become a goal scorer and powerplay specialist; Brian Murray has shown tremendous confindence in Neil so far this season.

            The Senators are more than capable of achieving success, and are surely going to give it their best shot.

            Bibliography

http://www.biovail.com/english/about%20biovail/Executive%20Team/default.asp?s=1

-          Biovail website, about biovail.

-          Eugene Melnyk Infromation aquired from bio.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1046404736566_15/?hub=Canada

-          CTV website, article on Rod Bryden bid for the Ottawa Senators.

-          Rod Bryden and Eugene Melnyk bid for team, info.