One way or another, today is the last day of the NHL season. With Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals set to go in Vancouver tonight, the last two teams will join the other 28 in the harsh realities of a long off season. Even though the Sens weren't involved, having playoff hockey to watch helps ease the pain of the Sens season being over.
Tonight, the NHL off season starts for real.
Yesterday, the Senators took care of one of their biggest off season priorities. In Paul MacLean, it seems pretty clear that the Sens have a real personality at the head coach position. You can only determine so much from one day of interviews but I definitely like what I see in MacLean.
For Murray and MacLean, the job now becomes seeking out assistant coaches. Rick Wamsley and Luke Richardson are both expected to be part of the staff but it's not yet known in what capacity. The name of Mark Reeds has come up as a possible addition. The head coach of the Owen Sound Attack won coach of the year in the OHL and is close with MacLean. Seems like a logical fit.
For now, it looks like Kurt Kleinendorst will return for another season behind the Binghamton bench.
Have mentioned this in the past but I was told again that the Sens are working on contracts for Bobby Butler and Erik Condra. That doesn't mean the other RFAs aren't also going to get offers but it's pretty clear that the Sens may have to let a couple guys walk. Considering the success of the team down in Bingo, there are going to be some tough decisions to make this off season.
Wick, Kinrade, Daugavins, Bailey, Bass and Potulny are all restricted free agents.
I know I said we would get into some draft talk today but I think I'll hold off on that until tomorrow.
After tonight, we'll also know who wins the first ever SensChirp Playoff Pool. It's gonna come down to the wire with a handful of team's all within striking distanceand online site Betfair having a last minute flurry of bets on who will come out victorious. Good luck to everyone that is still in the hunt.
Enjoy Game 7 everyone! Predictions?
Boston 3 Vancouver 2 (OT)
