Well, as I couldn't be close to a computer last night during the game, here are my thoughts of the 2007-2008 Sens edition
They started marvelously, in fact had to best start in NHL history. Gerber was outstanding (that 5 on 3 against the Rangers was just out of this world!) The guys clearly were having fun and Paddock was even smiling!
Then Emery came back and wanted to be first because what he felt he supposedly accomplished last year. He clearly sucked from the beginning, but Paddock, being a bit too nice, kept giving Emery chances after chances. Then came the dreaded game against Philly when Gerber was pulled after Philly tied it at 3. Although at 3.7 million dollars a year, Gerber's confidence shouldn't be shaken by this, it was.
The Sens played decent until the All-Star break. We all know what happened with Ray "the Diva" Emery. And from my point of view, this was the breaking point, what divided the room. And honestly, I think it broke Spezza, Heatley and Alfie. I have a feeling that Spezza took Emery's side (they're quite good friends), while Healtey and Alfie wanted Emery to get what he deserved. Again, this is pure speculation, but Heatley and Spezza haven't been connecting since that time, after Heatley came back from his injury.
Another thing too I think affected the mood of the team - Redden's refusal to be traded even when he had been sucking the life of the defense since October 2006. His talk about wanting to have a last run with the team surely pissed off a lot of people, including me, especially considering his mediocre plays. You would think that someone with PRIDE, after being asked TWICE to waive his clause, would either elevate his play or give in and get traded. None of that happened with Redden, and he didn't seem to care. I'm sure that didn't go very well in the locker room as well, especially when the guy is wearing a "A" on his jersey.
Paddock was, unfortunately, fired too late. His "I wanna be your friend" attitude was not what this team needed. But bad habits are hard to break and when Murray took over, he kind of made things better, but it was still too late.
So coming into the playoffs knowing all that, and from the first post I made in this thread, I knew the Sens didn't have much chance. Am I upset? Not really. Am I disappointed? You bet I am. For a team that good ON PAPER, it shouldn't be swept in the first round.
With all that said, it should be interesting what Murray does in the off-season. Redden and Emery are gone, that's a given
![[cheer]](./images/smilies/icon_cheers.gif "Cheer")
I hope Stillman and Commodore are re-signed, as well as Kelly, who was so missed during that series!! Lee and Nycholat are ready for the NHL, so Richardson can become an assistant coach or whatever he wants to do. I wouldn't mind getting rid of Spezza, before his contract kicks in (with his no-movement clause). Although he can be fantastic, I would take Heatley over him in a hear beat. Heatley has shown he's actually a MUCH better overall player when Spezza is not there.. And Neil needs to either retire or get traded ASAP - his dumb penalties all year long wouldn't have been so bad if he actually was doing what he was suppose to do
That's long enough for now! In any case, it should be an interesting off-season. Murray knows what he's doing, most have faith in him. I can't wait for the start of the season in September 2008 - in Sweden
in the meantime
GO FLAMES GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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