The initial shock of Thursday’s season-ending loss is beginning to fade and in the process there’s a growing appreciation for just how special a year this really was.
Obviously the way it ended was devastating and it’s impossible not to think about just how close they were but the 2016/2017 season is still likely to go down as the best in the history of the Ottawa Senators.
Not only because of the amazing ride they took us on and the incredible moments along the way but also because there’s just no resentment or anger or feeling if only they could have done more, pushed more, wanted it more. Like, this team gave us absolutely everything they had. And in the end, they came up just one goal short in Game 7, Double Overtime and against the defending Champs.
When the pain and sadness subsides a little bit, I think we’ll look back on this as the best season in Ottawa Senators history.
Whether it was Craig Anderson’s remarkable performance under significant off-ice adversity, Clarke MacArthur’s miraculous return to the line up, Bobby Ryan’s resurgence, Erik Karlsson’s legendary playoff performance on just one leg or a team that just refused to quit, this was a year full of unique and special moments.
There were bumps in the road early on but by the end of the year and into the playoffs, Guy Boucher and his staff had this team believing in a system and truly believing that anything was possible. When you have more than 20 guys all pulling in the same direction, it’s remarkable what they can achieve against seemingly insurmountable odds.
It put the Ottawa Senators back in the league spotlight and reinvigorated a fan base in desperate need of an awakening.
It reminded fans in the Nation’s Capital just how much fun hockey can be. While the national media insisted on focusing on a couple empty seats, what they missed out on were some of the most electric crowds in the history of the Canadian Tire Centre.
The Pageau game and the Brassard late tying goal/Turris OT winner were two of the loudest games I’ve ever been to. And yet both those games were topped by the atmosphere during the third period of Game 6 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was unlike anything I’ve experienced as a sports fan. Like there was a direct link between fans and players.
And it was more than just the in-game crowds. From the impromptu mid-street dance parties on Elgin Street to the 3 AM airport gatherings, Sens fans consistently demonstrated their passion for this team.
There’s reason to believe there are still better days ahead for this team too.
The core will remain in tact and the experience gained this year will bring the group closer together and will benefit this team down the line. And with top prospects like Colin White and Thomas Chabot knocking on the door, there’s an infusion of skill on the way.
The Ottawa Senators will gather for the last time today and in the process, will provide some insight into some of the significant injuries players have been playing through over the last month and a bit. That list is expected to be a long one and will only add to the admiration for this incredible run and this remarkable hockey team.
As we wait for the final round of media availabilities, I wanted to pass along a great video by Callum Fraser. He has been producing these amazing montages throughout the playoffs and he saved the best for last.
