The Senators: Stanley Cup Favorites in 2006 Playoffs

Emerging from the 2004-2005 lockout, the Ottawa Senators appeared poised for greatness as they entered the 2005-2006 season. With a dynamic young roster, the Senators had struggled against their perennial playoff nemesis, the Toronto Maple Leafs, for four of the previous five seasons. However, with Toronto’s absence from the playoffs that year—a trend that would continue for a decade—the Senators were free to focus on their own championship aspirations.

As the Eastern Conference’s top seed and the league’s leading offensive powerhouse, the Senators were not just contenders; they were the Stanley Cup favorites. The acquisition of superstars Dany Heatley and Dominik Hasek bolstered an already formidable lineup, which still featured the likes of Zdeno Chara and Martin Havlat. Many regarded this squad as the greatest in Senators history.

In a captivating retrospective from our April 25, 2006 issue, Mike Brophy captured the excitement surrounding the Senators as they prepared for the playoffs. He highlighted the weight of expectations on the team, which had not tasted Stanley Cup success since 1927 and had never reached the finals since its inception in 1992-93. Daniel Alfredsson, the team’s captain, had once confidently declared that the Senators would win the Cup, though he later tempered his prediction with a chuckle, stating, “I didn’t say this year.” Yet, his confidence in the team’s capabilities remained unwavering.

Alfredsson expressed a blend of optimism and realism, acknowledging the unpredictability of playoff hockey. “We know we have a team that can win it all,” he said. “But you need a lot of things to go right for you. You need to be healthy and you need to have a little good luck. More than anything, you need to play well in big games.” With the pressure mounting, Alfredsson and his teammates were ready to seize the opportunity.

At the core of the Senators’ success was a potent offense, led by Heatley, who had revitalized his career in Ottawa, finishing fourth in league scoring with 48 goals. Alfredsson himself was also having a stellar season, notching 41 goals and 95 points, while playmaker Jason Spezza contributed significantly despite an injury-shortened season. The Senators’ offensive depth was unrivaled, featuring talents like Peter Schaefer, Bryan Smolinski, and Mike Fisher, all capable of making an impact.

Defensively, the Senators boasted one of the league’s most robust blue lines. Stars like Wade Redden and Zdeno Chara provided stability, while Chris Phillips and rookie Andrej Meszaros added to a lineup that was as strong defensively as it was offensively. Coach Bryan Murray noted the depth of his defensive corps, emphasizing that it was a unique strength for this year’s team compared to those he had managed in the past.

As the playoffs approached, questions loomed regarding the health of goaltender Dominik Hasek, who was sidelined with a groin injury. However, rookie Ray Emery had stepped up admirably, and Murray expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform even without Hasek. “You need at least good goaltending,” he acknowledged, “but we’re hoping that just good goaltending this time will be adequate.” The Senators were determined to focus on their game rather than external distractions.

Brophy’s article also examined potential challenges from other contenders. The Philadelphia Flyers, once seen as a strong favorite after adding star Peter Forsberg, had struggled with inconsistency. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes were also viewed as formidable opponents, capable of creating upsets. Yet, the Senators stood out as a team with the potential to break through the playoff barriers that had plagued them in previous years.

Ultimately, the Senators were ready to embrace the pressure of being favorites. “It can’t matter that much, if we let outside factors be that big of a deal,” Murray reflected. The playoffs would soon reveal whether the Senators could translate their regular-season success into postseason glory.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.