As the seconds ticked down at Madison Square Garden, I had a feeling I was watching a special moment in Ottawa Senators history.
With all the talk and speculation that has surrounded the issue this season, it really felt as though I was watching Daniel Alfredsson’s final game in the National Hockey League. And while he has yet to make a decision, Sens fans need to at least prepare for the possibility of a team without Alfie.
The good news is according to an interview with Paul MacLean on Hockey Night in Canada, Alfredsson will be back with the team in some capacity next season. Whether it is on the ice, behind the bench, or in the office with Bryan Murray, Alfredsson has a key role to play with this club moving forward.
"…One thing we do know for sure is Daniel's going to be [with the Senators]'" said MacLean, "whether he's playing, or he's on the bench with me, or he's in the office with [Ottawa general manager] Bryan Murray, Daniel's going to be here and he’s going to be a big part of helping us continue to build this program."
Watching the post game handshake, and the reaction of both the Rangers and Senators on the ice, it looked like players on both teams really believed this may be Alfie’s final game.
It’s important to note that like everyone involved has said, Alfredsson has not made up his mind yet. He will use the next month, including an appearance at the World Championships, to decide whether or not he has another season in him. There is no doubt Alfie can still be a contributing member of this hockey team but he has to decide if the drive and desire for another season is still there.
For the next few weeks, the organization and its fans will anxiously await a decision from the Captain but should take comfort in the fact that Daniel Alfredsson will remain an integral part of the Ottawa Senators hockey club for years to come.
What do you think Alfie will do?
