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Ottawa Senators: A Not So Fairy Tale Ending

By Alexander O'Reilly |
May 25, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ottawa Senators defenseman Chris Wideman (6) and goalie Craig Anderson (41) react to losing in the second overtime period to the Pittsburgh Penguins in game seven of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Don Wright-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ottawa Senators defenseman Chris Wideman (6) and goalie Craig Anderson (41) react to losing in the second overtime period to the Pittsburgh Penguins in game seven of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Don Wright-USA TODAY Sports

The Clock finally struck midnight for the Ottawa Senators as they fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins in double OT on Thursday night.

In a series as close as this one it’s fitting that it ended in such dramatic fashion. At 14:58 of the second overtime period Viktor Stalberg came within inches of intercepting an errant pass from Conor Sheary. He would have been gone on a breakaway and the Ottawa Senators might’ve won the series right there. Instead the puck took a fortunate bounce for the Penguins and Justin Schultz was able to retrieve it and avoid disaster. Seven seconds later, at 14:51 of the period, Chris Kunitz sent the Penguins to their second Stanley Cup Final in as many years.

In the first overtime the Penguins came within inches of scoring but Kyle Turris managed to kick the puck out of the crease. Seconds later it was Turris who was robbed by Murray after getting a clean look from the slot. There were so many ways this game and series could have ended but it was Kunitz playing the hero in the Steel City.

A Heartbreaking Defeat

Disappointment, sadness, and denial were the first emotions I felt when that goal was scored. I’m sure many Sens fans and players felt the same way in the moments following the goal. Craig Anderson himself froze with his arm up where the puck just barely beat him. He froze there because it didn’t feel like it was over. This felt like a team of destiny that wouldn’t be denied. Only there wasn’t a fairy tale ending for Cinderella, not this time.

Right now it will be difficult, certain plays will haunt the players and fans alike as they ask the fateful question, what if? As hard as it is now there will come a time when we all will look back and appreciate this run. This was the best team that Ottawa has seen in a decade and it was amazing to watch.

Defying Expectations

The Ottawa Senators defied all expectations this year. They made the playoffs and nearly won the division. They defeated the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers to make it to the final four. In the end Erik Karlsson and his Ottawa Senators came one shot short of taking down the reigning Stanley Cup champions.

Perseverance, Fairy Tales, and Magic

There was so much to overcome for Ottawa this year. From the passing of Bobby Ryan’s mother, to Clarke MacArthur going down with another concussion in training camp, and Nicole Anderson getting cancer. It would have been so easy for this team to give up, but they persevered. MacArthur made a miraculous return after missing nearly

two years of hockey and scored the series winning goal against Boston. They used Nicole Anderson’s fight as inspiration for a fantastic season. The stars seemed to align for the Sens as they made their way through the playoffs. It was a magical fairy tale.

Next: Ottawa Senators: A Difference in Style

Sadly, all fairy tales must come to an end. This time it may not have ended as we hoped, but that doesn’t stop it from being a wonderful story. Soon Cinderella will look back and appreciate the journey. I certainly will.

Thank you Ottawa.

Thank you for giving us something to cheer for.

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