#1: Becoming the Senators’ All-Time Games Played Leader 02/05/15
In his 36th and final appearance of the 2014-15 season, Chris Phillips surpassed Daniel Alfredsson to become the Ottawa Senators all-time games played leader. What should’ve been just an average Thursday tilt against the Washington Capitals, quickly became one of the more emotional games in recent Senators history.
It’s remarkable for any player to be a part of 1179 games, in the NHL, but to do it with one team, and with Phillips’ style of play, was remarkable. This was a great chance for a packed building to show their appreciation for a fan favourite, and one of the great Senators to have played in their brief history. Ottawa’s appreciation for the ‘Big Rig’ was emphasized through the many standing ovations Phillips received that night.
As a player and person, Phillips will always have a fantastic legacy in the Senators organization, as well as in the city of Ottawa. This was a fitting tribute for a great player, that can only be bettered by retiring his #4.