The Senators ended this season the way they've ended each of the previous eleven seasons: with a loss. The only difference is that instead of getting kicked out of the playoffs, this year it is a meaningless game played against the equally mediocre Maple Leafs.On the one hand, it is funny for Toronto. Yes, there will be another round of gee you guys really suck for the summer. But on the other hand, this win puts a final nail in the already very dead chance of them getting that mythical first pick this year.
On the other hand, I watched the first period of the game, and then I turned it off. The lack of defensive coverage in the Ottawa zone was just painful to watch. Even Don Cherry's eye-searing jacket was a relief after having watched the Senators skate around in their own end.
So what this does to Cory Clouston's chances for next year, I don't know. One might suggest that this game shows that the team is perfectly willing to stop performing for him. On the other hand, when was the last time the team won a "game seven"?
Oh wait, those are both the same hands.
Never mind then.
The one bright spot this evening was The Gerberator getting the win against his old club. I liked Martin Gerber, and even though his game couldn't stand up to the lack of defense played by the Senators, I think he deserves this one.
I think that this summer is going to be an exercise in both pain and tedium, as GMs discover that the Incredible Shrinking Salary Cap will either prevent them from doing anything, or force them into painful deals to take "problems" along with their "assets". Murray, having locked up most of his salary problems with no-trade clauses, has hand-tied himself more than perhaps is necessary.
It will be interesting to see who, if anybody in the league, can dig their way out of this situation.
