Ottawa Senators Round Table: Keys To Success In 2015-2016
By Tim Redinger
Apr 26, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators head coach Dave Cameron talks during a press conference after the game six against Montreal Canadiens of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
Cait Platt, NHL Writer At-Large
When it comes to continuing the strength of previous seasons, the best thing that could have happened for the Ottawa Senators was them gaining consistency behind the bench. After relieving Paul MacLean of his coaching duties on December 8th, Dave Cameron took over and pushed the team harder and further than expected. They were 14 points out of the playoffs coming down the stretch of the season, and Cameron rallied the team. Cameron brought faith back to the team, gave them a reason to fight and persevere.
All of this is wonderful but it was not until June 18th was true security for the future was achieved. Bryan Murray saw the same things fans saw, a new team under the direction of Dave Cameron and go Cameron to sign a two-year deal with the team.
Two years provides Cameron the opportunity to build on what he has, work towards building a future, and give players a sense that Murray has faith in the team operating as strongly as they did when Cameron first arrived. It also gives Cameron the sense of urgency the team has. Two years says “yes you are wanted here, but we expect results”. So much can happen in two years but if there isn’t enough, the Senators are ready to move on.
Finding stability is key for any team. Sometimes it is in the goaltender, others is a solid line, for the Ottawa Senators, it seems an update on the bench was the motivation needed.
Next: Jay Nowak, SenShot Staff Writer