2007 Ottawa Senators

Even as we say “Congratulations” to the Pittsburgh Penguins, winners of the Eastern Conference Finals, we want to say a big “Thank you” to the Ottawa Senators for the admirable season they had, finishing 2nd in the fiercely combative Northeast Division!

Scotiabank Place was rocking this season with a fast start from the Ottawa Senators. The feared “CASH” line – Daniel Alfreddson, Jason Spezza, and Dany Heatley – racked up prodigious numbers all season. The entire line made NHL history, with each player named an NHL All-Star Game starter….that had not happened since 1981. However, a mid-season slump brought hard times to Ottawa, and cost Coach John Paddock his job. General Manager Bryan Murray took over and guided the Senators to their 11th consecutive NHL playoff appearance with a second-place finish in the Northeast Division. The Senators’ explosive offensive firepower makes them a consistent Stanley Cup threat.

The Ottawa Senators are starting the 2007-2008 season with something to prove, after winning the Eastern Conference Finals and coming this close to winning the Stanley Cup. Will new head coach John Paddock have what it takes to go all the way? The best way to find out is to see for yourself and Coast to Coast is your source for all the best tickets to Scotiabank Place. Get your tickets now and watch the Ottawa Senators dominate!

The franchise had made it into nine consecutive playoffs since 1997. Always a bridesmaid, the Senators were poised to go all the way to capture the Stanley Cup, but the Anaheim Ducks only allowed Ottawa one victory, winning the finals 1 to 4. The Senators had the best regular-season record in the NHL in 2002-03, but lost in seven games to the eventual champion New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference finals.

The Senators seem to be running a racket, a racket that churns out dazzling young hockey players who grow into NHL stars. Almost every move works like a charm, including their rare trades: Zdeno Chara and Jason Spezza for Alexei Yashin looks odd; starting goaltender Patrick Lalime came from Anaheim for next to nothing.

The organization's quiet efficiency really means numbers on the ice. Ottawa is sometimes accused of plodding through nights of dull, safe hockey. But the sensible game plan conceals an overload of speed, strength and puck handling that leaves most defenders bewildered. If they weren't so passionate about defense, the Senators could probably score at a pace to recall the NHL of the past.