Yesterday’s retirement announcement by Chris Phillips had me feeling a little bit nostalgic.
I started looking through old pictures of some of the best moments in team history and it reminded me of this post from last summer. In the absence of any significant news, I thought this might be a good time to take another stroll down memory lane. For obvious reasons, this is probably one of my favourite posts I’ve written here on SensChirp.
So let’s revisit it, shall we?
Today, we look back at the TEN best games in the history of the Ottawa Senators. The research for this one was far more enjoyable and unlike the list of worst games in franchise history, this one was a little tougher to put together.
Really, what makes a great hockey game? Is it that one incredible moment that sticks in your mind ? Is it the significance of the accomplishment? Or is it actually about entertainment value?
It’s actually pretty remarkable how many incredible games there have been in the history of this franchise. Even though they’ve never won it all, the Ottawa Senators have given us some pretty amazing moments over the last 25 years. So here’s a list of some of my favourites.
The ten best games in the history of the Ottawa Senators…
10. May 5, 2013- Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottawa Senators- By far the most lopsided result in the top ten and that’s exactly why it was so great. Game 3 of the first round series between the Canadiens and Senators back in 2013 was pretty much as good as it gets for Senators fans. As we all know, there are few things as infuriating as watching the Canadian Tire Centre fill up with either Leafs or Habs fans. Except on this night, I almost wished there were more Habs fans in attendance. The Pageau Chant, the completey one-sided line brawl, the timeout and the blowout on the scoreboard. Start to finish, this was as much fun as I’ve ever had at a hockey game, I think.
9. April 18, 2012- New York Rangers vs. Ottawa Senators- I’ll always have a soft spot for this one because this is another game I attended in person. And it was honestly one of the best sports crowds I’ve ever been a part of. There was a moment in this game, during a TV timeout, where the crowd stood and cheered the entire break. No music. No silly in-game promos. Just the crowd. Paul MacLean gathered his team at the bench and gestured to the crowd. Still get chills thinking about it. If you weren’t there that night, this video (adjust volume before viewing) does a pretty good job of capturing the exact moment Kyle Turris rifled a wrist shot over the glove of Henrik Lundqvist. Can the new season just start today?
8. May 19, 2013- Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators- In so many of the incredible games in Senators history, one moment sort of stands out as being the reason you remember the game. This game against the Pittsburgh Penguins was special because it had two of those. The first when Daniel Alfredsson scored what had to have been the most unlikely goal in franchise history and then Colin Greening winning the game in double overtime. In the moments that followed the Greening winner I remember saying to myself, pay that man whatever the hell he wants. It was that good of a moment. Pretty expensive goal though.
7. April 7, 2015- Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators- I knew this game had to be on the list but as I sat down to rank them, I was surprised at how high up the list this game from last season ended up. And I was actually tempted to put it even higher but figured that was probably because the memory is still so fresh in my mind. What is so awesome about this game is not only the comeback but the way this particular game sort of embodied that entire miracle run to the playoffs. The sound that follows Mike Hoffman’s game tying goal is like nothing I’ve ever heard from that building. The way it went from nervous silence to complete chaos in the blink of an eye is just so amazing. Oh and how in the hell did Mark Stone handle that pass?!
6. May 2, 1998- New Jersey Devils vs. Ottawa Senators- The Sens were huge underdogs against the Devils back in 1998 but thanks to some incredible goaltending by Damian Rhodes and a strong series by Alexei Yashin, Ottawa was able to pull off the upset and win the first playoff series in modern Senators’ history. It’s strange that one of the most memorable moments from this game and this entire series was an empty netter but the goal by Igor Kravchuk is one that ever Senators’ fan remembers. And probably one of best calls of Dean Brown’s career.
5. October 8, 1992- Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottawa Senators- I was seven years old when the modern day Ottawa Senators played their first game in the National Hockey League. I sort of think I remember it but I’m not entirely sure. Yet reliving the highlights on YouTube (or even watching the full Hockey Night in Canada Opening) is something I’ve done hundreds of times. Full highlights of the game are tough to find but I’ve included Neil Brady’s goal below. That first season turned out to be pretty, prrrretty ugly but the first game was absolute magic. Maybe Rome was built in a day?
4. May 21, 2003- Ottawa Senators vs. New Jersey Devils- Anytime somebody says something mean about Chris Phillips I find myself immediately thinking back to this game and feeling compelled to stick up for ol’ Big Rig. This is by far the biggest goal he ever scored and goes down as one of my all time favourite goal celebrations. And not the one by Phillips either. The shot of Zdeno Chara leaping into a terrified pile of teammates and everyone desperately trying to get out of the way is possibly the best part of this clip. I actually recall a similar goal celebration taking place in my living room after this one.
3. June 4, 2007- Anaheim Ducks vs. Ottawa Senators- I had the choice to go to either Game 3 or Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals. I chose Game 4. And I regret it to this day. Basically the Game 4 loss was either my fault or Alanis Morrisette’s. Ottawa’s lone victory in the Finals is one that stands out even though the series didn’t go their way. Those that were in attendance that night talk about one of the most entertaining games in team history and on the league’s biggest stage. I’ve watched this video about 200 times in my life. And I’m gonna watch it again.
2. April 12, 1997- Buffalo Sabres vs. Ottawa Senators
The following clip is probably one of my favourite videos on YouTube. Well I mean, next to the “Boom Goes the Dynamite” guy. Five years into their existence, the Ottawa Senators clinch a playoff spot for the first time. On home ice. Against one of the greatest goalies of all time. I wasn’t there that night but people who were swear the building has never been as loud as the moment that puck slipped by Dominik Hasek to give the Senators that 1-0 lead. If you ever see Gary Galley, make sure you thank him for blowing a tire on this play, by the way. Oh and greatest goal call of all time? Gotta be up there.
1. May 19, 2007- Ottawa Senators vs. Buffalo Sabres
Nothing in particular about this game really stands out. Until the ending of course- Daniel Alfredsson crossing the Sabres’ blueline in a one on three situation and quickly snapping a seemingly harmless shot past Ryan Miller for the biggest goal in the history of the franchise. It’s one of those goals where every Senators’ fan remembers exactly where they were. It was an afternoon game, you’ll recall. In the end, it’s a pretty easy choice to put Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals as the biggest in the history of the franchise. Biggest game. Biggest goal. Greatest player in franchise history playing the role of hero. This game had it all.
I’m expecting some pretty healthy debate on this one. Believe me, this is a lot harder than it looks.
