How the Senators' implosion proved inevitable despite their deep playoff run

The Ottawa Senators shocked everyone when they pushed the Penguins to a game seven, double-overtime finale of 2017's Eastern Conference Finals. They over-performed, they got lucky, they shouldn't have made it that far - but they were there. The Sens sat on the doorstep to competing for the franchise's first-ever Stanley Cup. And then, poof.
Not only did they lose that game, but everything that their magical run momentarily covered up came fully into view. Their destruction came from within and as the months rolled by it proved that no matter what the players had done on the ice in 2017, their demise was inevitable.
**CORRECTION: at 7:05, the Senators hosted Montreal, not Toronto as said in the video. I (Will) apologize to both fanbases for mixing up the two of you. This was an honest mistake and not intended to be a slight from a Red Wings fan.
Edited by Charlotte Atkinson
Motion graphics by Tyson Whiting
Written and produced by Will Buikema
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[@SecretBaseSBN]

If you're here because you're a Sens fan, I (Will, voice in the video, hi!) would appreciate you taking a second to contribute if you can to the Silver Seven gofundme. This video wouldn't have been possible without Nate over at Silver Seven, not to mention all of the countless pieces the team there wrote over the years, and now they need help to keep doing what they do so well: gofund.me/d6a4b57c

[@eamonsmith9354]

Erik Karlsson’s peak was absolutely ridiculous, dude carried the Sens on one leg

[@Kanders190]

Literally, on some occasions.

[@MrOctober44]

His rapid decline is absolutely ridiculous.

[@KobeLoverTatum]

@@MrOctober44 Karlsson didn’t rapidly decline, he’s been on a fairly slow and steady decline that started in his last two seasons in Ottawa, with a notable down year in 20-21. Last year he bounced back a bit and if you exclude that worst year in 20-21 his decline has been relatively slow and consistent, spanning a period of time that includes multiple seasons with both Ottawa and San Jose. It’s really a shame he had that achilles injury *before* he hit his peak because we were all robbed of witnessing the career Karlsson could and should have had.

[@SpiralstaticXX]

@@MrOctober44 his decline started the day Matt Cooke drove a blade into his achilles.

[@zacharywoodman6445]

Seriously, if he were on a legit contending team during his peak where he was not shouldering all the defense dragging Methot along and had more forwards who he could get the puck to, he could have put up some truly gaudy numbers and would have won more Norrises. Heck, he should have more Norrises as it is. There was a year or two there where he had a legit claim to be the best player in the world.

[@garrettclardy943]

As someone who isn’t a traditional hockey fan, it’s always fun for me to learn more about teams that came close to winning it all but unfortunately collapsed.

[@matthewperrella2649]

And as a flames fan, I loved watching Ottawa Fall

[@dallashall99]

You’ll love “Toronto maple leafs: 50 year legacy of failure” by urinating tree then

[@livetotell100]

I'm a Penguin fan, and Ottawa didn't collapse. They were good. Their Defense was 2nd to none. You talk about all the injuries they had. The Penguins were the walking wounded by that series. It was even by game 7. Out of all the Conference games the Pens played since the early 90's, this one scared me the most.

[@matthewperrella2649]

@@livetotell100 as an organization, they did collapse… that’s the video series premise.

[@alcitrullo3124]

@@dallashall99 I'm a die hard Leaf fan. Not my fault, blame my parents. I totally agree with you about that video by urinating tree haha

[@nwilson5689]

This video is going to hurt, but it’s an important part of hockey history. I’ll never forget the short lived glory of the 1-3-1

[@CaesarSalad19]

Dude the 1-3-1 is why I’m so scared as a Kings fan. We are running it rn and I just know that it is gonna blow up and with the HORRIBLE defense to start the year I’m scared that it is blowing up rn

[@brettmurray2473]

The system

[@TheEDFLegacy]

I remember being in college in the mid-2000s and this was during the PIZZA era. It was that team that started my love of the NHL. Although I don't really follow the Senators anymore, I will always appreciate them for bringing me into enjoying the sport.

[@brettmurray2473]

@@TheEDFLegacy the team they have right now is the closest to that era. It's in the early stages but trending towards a really exciting team.

[@greggreg5189]

@@CaesarSalad19 as a habs fan i get it

[@genoesposito2895]

Always happy to see Hockey content in this channel.

[@dasdiesel3000]

Especially since it almost always underperforms compared to most other major sports. Double especially since I'm sure they expected it to do so with a team like Ottawa. But I'm psyched for it/appreciate it!

[@swavyypressure9417]

Same here, even though I don’t watch Hockey lol.

[@EddieRange1014]

True not a huge hockey fan... but I love diversity and learning new things so I agree fam

[@ncanny6341]

This team has to be one of the most underrated teams in the last decade. No one, and I mean, no one saw them beating Boston and the Rangers and then taking the Pens to a 7th game and then falling off the face of a cliff. Now they’re younger and I think they have a great chance to make the playoffs again

[@roderictelford5765]

I was positive Ottawa was going to beat New York. I even went to a casino to try and make my first sports bet.

[@valpix7007]

Boston was also HEAVILY crippled with injuries iirc

[@musyarofah1]

The hockey version of Sacksonville

[@LanceVance81]

Ottawa has a lot of potential this year. Would love to see a Detroit / Ottawa playoff series. 2 teams that have been rebuilding and are ascending at about the same time.

[@danangell5482]

Absolutely everyone who followed hockey saw Ottawa waxing Boston in the first round. At the time, Ottawa simply owned Boston. The Senators won all four regular season meetings and entered that series having won six straight meetings and 10 of 12 against the Bruins. Beating the Rangers was a surprise to me. Losing to the Bruins never even crossed my mind as a possibility for us.

[@Rena2star]

My high school math teacher was a die-hard sens fanatic. When Karlsson got traded, she made good on her promise to wear black for a week in mourning. It was a dark time to be a sens fan. Today is finally a time for optimism, and I'm showing my support by going to the sens game tonight

[@splinters_pinter]

I'm in Ottawa. Melnyks influence cannot be overstated. He alienated the fans, the players, corporate sponsors, partners, even the Senators own charity. The last decade here has been horrible.

[@bigjippa]

Really good video lads. Only thing I'd like to call out as a sens fan is just how heartbreaking the Stone trade was for sens fans. He was the heart and soul of the group, young enough to take us through the rebuild into a new era as the captain & face of the franchise. His two way game is one of the best in the league and very few wingers impacted the game like he did for us. Karlsson was the franchise during his time here but Stone was the next after him. The gutwrenching feeling of losing him as well might have hurt more just given how quick in succession the move was made and how much he meant to Ottawa on and off the ice, mentoring the young kids (Tkachuk specifically) and his work in the community.

[@Astianax27]

He was the best ''takeaways'' player (tacking the puck away from a player). I 100% agree with you but then he through Ottawa under the bus saying it ''was no fun''. Do I a blame him ? No but it really hurt as I saw him as the heart. He said that probably because of Melnyk but still....

[@roderictelford5765]

I was a Sens fan from the very begining. Loosing Chara was brutal and Alfredson was straight up unacceptable but when they lost Stone I finally had to give up on this team. It became clear that this was a team that was never going to get out of it's own way.

[@danangell5482]

I cared a lot more about the Stone trade than the Karlsson deal. Because of Stone, I've been hoping to see Vegas get a Cup.

[@leoc9094]

You have an excellent point; once Karlsson was gone I was hoping Stone would be the captain and drive the team forward because he had more passion than anyone. Once they traded him, I knew the whole team was done. It was the sucker punch after all the Hoffman-Karlsson drama off the ice leading to the beginning of the end.

[@rotary_7812]

​@@danangell5482Stone led Vegas to the cup. As captain.

[@jobemi2422]

For anyone that has ever doubted the effect that Melnyk had on the franchise, just look at the moves and news since he’s passed. -Alfredsson is back around the team after spending years away due to Melnyk. -Neil and Philips have roles in the organization now -Plans for a new downtown arena are underway -Signed 2 young stars, Norris and Stützle, to longterm deals -Signed Giroux, local guy and productive vet -Traded for DeBrincat, one of the best goal scorers in the league

[@kassi420]

Right? Plans of the downtown arena are underway because he’s dead he was the one holding back because a) he got the city to reward him the contract and then told the city he didn’t have the money to build (which was why it was cancelled at one point) b.) he was running the team into the ground, he had “no money” to pay off his debts, no money to pay his players, he was super cryptic about the team’s future before he past… Everything good from sign new players to the New Arena we have Melnyk’s daughters to thank. Atleast they knew of you pump money into the team and a new arena it’s a better for potential buyers than just holding onto it like Smaug from The Hobbit. I will always thank him for saving the SENS but near the end from finger pointing the fans for his failing and being cryptic about everything didn’t help his cause.

[@1991petrolhead]

@@kassi420 and not forgetting that the only reason we got Brassard in the first place was because he didn't want to pay Mika Zibanejad a signing bonus. Now look at what he's doing at MSG.

[@GrndCruz]

As grim as this sounds, Melnyk dying was one of the best things to happen to the Senators (I hope his two daughters are doing okay).

[@ariccua6101]

Also, Brassard is back, too.

[@englishmuffin5274]

Not a Sens fan, but definitely rooting for them this year to make a big step. Very exciting young team. Hopefully they can stay healthy.

[@kassi420]

Love the video because it’s about my Sens but there were several things you missed. 1.)The reason for the low attendance and the Melnyk hate was in 2015-2018, Ottawa was planning to build a new Arena downtown at Lebreton Flats there was a promising proposal by one of the development groups but Melnyk wanted to own the building so got the city of Ottawa basically give him the proposal which they ended up rewarding it to him. Then he turns around and told the city I don’t have enough money can you guys help me pay for this? Not part of the bill, the entire bill… The answer was no and was why the new arena ended up dead at the time… and that’s why #MelnykOut became a thing. 2.) Melnyk’s weird debt, from not being able to pay his yacht crew, private jet pilots and gambling debts was another reason why #MelnykOut was gaining traction 3.) Randy Lee harassment charges were sexual harassment. He made unwanted sexual advance towards a 19 year hotel employee…

[@alpearson9158]

what a load please do some real research

[@Krob2006]

Knowing that Craig Anderson was playing with his wife on his heart, fighting breast cancer, made this all the more gut wrenching.

[@TheRemixBros]

Been a diehard Sens fan since the late 90's. Great job on this video! Those were some dark times, but the future is bright and excited to see what's next! GO SENS GO!

[@holla8910]

I can't believe there's no mention of McArthur's return which was a HUGE boost in point production and morale for the run.

[@danangell5482]

That should have been in there too: losing Clarke MacArthur to concussions after the playoffs hurt so much.

[@holla8910]

@@danangell5482 im surprised he even played the playoffs. He was out with concussion problems the entire regular season and only came back when we made the playoffs. He had an amazing performance, scored clutch goals and then never played again.

[@danangell5482]

@@holla8910 He was past the concussions come playoff time...but in training camp the next season, he suffered another concussion and that was it.

[@holla8910]

@@danangell5482 he suffered his 2nd concussion during the 2016-17 season training camp from teammate Patrick Sieloff. He did not play until the 2017 playoffs. He failed his physical during the 2017-18 training camp and was not allowed to participate and hasn't played since.

[@danangell5482]

@@holla8910 Ah. I thought it was 2017's training camp that he got hit by Sieloff. My mistake.

[@DunnyEh]

Incredible video detailing the history of a team I remember I thought was gonna be a cup contender for a few years. It’s nice to see what the team has now after a tough up and down history. I think J.G. Pageau going to the isles should’ve gotten a mention as he was apart of that core and helped dominate the rangers during that run. But regardless, a great video. Hope to see a bright future for Ottawa as an isles fan

[@MrGUnit27]

I've been asking for this for a while, and it didn't disappoint. Even as a Leafs/Ducks fan who grew up hating the Senators, I'm happy that their roster is finally starting to take shape after a long and painful rebuild. That fanbase deserves some light at the end of the tunnel

[@aaronwilcox2431]

so you're either not a leafs fan or you're not actually happy for them.

[@InfamousCanuck]

As a Sens fan I immediately clicked on this video. The 2017 playoff run was fantastic to watch and follow along and created many great memories for fans. The hype and success only to fall apart the following year resulting in five years of pain. No one should ever speak ill will of a person who passed but Melnyk is a major part in this collapse. I often would say Melnyk was a reincarnation of Harold Ballard and he was the elephant in the locker room to people asking me why I am a Sens. Thankfully, the operations have been far better since the summer of 2022 and promising for the regular season.

[@RealTomahawk7]

It has to be said that out of all the collapses, this one is probably the most painful.

[@FrostyNipz]

We NEED that "History of the San Jose Sharks" video like y'all did with the Seattle Mariners.

[@Meltpop]

As a long time sharks fan I agree

[@mcj88]

I dunno, personally I'd pick the Sabres; how many other teams nearly lost a draft lottery because the league president misread a prize wheel, or drafted a fake player as a gag?

[@mjwatts1983]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpjJqnZva5qeeq8

[@mpaulm]

So true. That team should have won at least a couple Cups.

[@ivaneurope]

@@mcj88 The Taro Tsujimoto story is one of the weirdest stories in sports history

[@cameronrooney1]

5 years on and that Kunitz goal is still impossible to watch as a Sens fan, great video!

[@ttvredstoneore8034]

This series needs to comeback, and you need to make a video on the fall of the Patriots Dynasty PLEASE, this is coming from a Patriots fan.

[@TheTrooper506]

I miss this series too. Wouldn't mind videos on: -Post 1993 Toronto Blue Jays. Back to back WS championships to not making the playoffs again until 2015. -2011-2013 49ers - Super Bowl runner up and contenders to 2-14 season in 2016.

[@xanzibar5374]

@@TheTrooper506these guys did a Collapse video on the 2011-13 49ers.

[@BungholeScape]

I remember that game 7. My brain had finally had enough of studying for my ochem final (even though I was no where near ready) and I had my sens jersey on the whole time, I stopped and sat down for the 2nd period. I remember FREAKING out when pager scored the tying goal. Gotta be one of the best memories as a sens fan. Well they went on to lose and I failed my chem final LOL

[@TheLawman23]

Will, you're a darling, and I love it when you turn out the Hockey content for us here at the Secret Base. The vid does a great job of showing the quick tumble that the Sens had and only now might be recovering from.

[@OkWineGuy]

As a lifelong Sens fan, I've been waiting a long time for this. It's been a rough go.

[@JhubeiFC]

We Sens fans have been waiting for this for a long time. Right to tear down and rebuild has been a masterpiece. Sens are back!

[@jonahveliz8163]

You ought to do a Ducks collapse video too. The team that had a Star nucleus but couldn’t get over the hump, then watched its players win rings on other teams

[@musyarofah1]

One name: BBQ Bruce

[@djtrankilo231]

which Ducks core?? Randy Carlisle's or BBQ Bruce's??

[@seanpoulton2446]

As a Ducks fan, that one’s gonna hurt

[@ScumdogLuke]

@@seanpoulton2446 same

[@Jazz-Singher]

07? They won with JSG, Getzlaf, Perry and the Niedermayer bros

[@M_11_m41n]

The reason for the Downfall: Eugene Melnyk. That man held them back from sustained contention for years.

[@mackielunkey2205]

The good news is that he’s dead. I know that sounds awful, but as a Canucks fan, I’m happy for you guys.

[@Thor-Orion]

Should've never given him that liver.

[@BoleDaPole]

Melnkyk kept the team in Calgary so wtf

[@paulm2041]

@@mackielunkey2205 I know several people who worked for the Sens. When he was donated the liver, you'd think he would develop more of an appreciation for life and the people around him. It did not, he became twice as crazy. It was borderline insane.

[@mackielunkey2205]

@@paulm2041 I’m so sorry about that. I hope they’re doing better under new management.

[@averagejosh6699]

Having these guys as my #2 team is kinda tough. However, with my islanders having their own game 7 ECF heartbreak and on the downswing, I can root for the bright future that the Sens have.

[@samuelwilson3653]

man we need a new season of these videos

[@joels-m2040]

Never would of thought the sens would of been a video ! Love it ! I always said the day that we got Duchene was the turning point. It’s true a lot of people in Ottawa hate Melnyk and the last years were awful to a point I stopped watching my fav team but now I’m more hopeful :)

[@samsellon6304]

Always thought this team would be a great subject for this series but never thought it would happen. The depth and detail of this piece is incredible. Well done!

[@davidlebovitz373]

Excellent video, with one caveat: Chris Wideman was held accountable for the Uber incident, in a way. He was traded from the team a few weeks later, and told The Athletic that he was made the fall guy for the incident internally.

[@BloodyBarbarism]

Kunitz’s game 7 double OT walk-off knuckler is the most emotion I have ever felt during my time as a pens fan. The direction Pittsburgh is going right now honestly scares me as I can see us pulling a Detroit and delaying our rebuild for too long. I only pray I needn’t watch a “Pittsburgh Penguins Collapse” in the coming years

[@WanukeX]

5:32 - “Dion Phaneuf’s Bloated Contract” I still cannot to this day believe Ottawa was willing to take that contract off us. - Leafs fan

[@NSUTurtle]

It was okay for a while but his resistance to waving his no-trade when Las Vegas came in the league was like a blunt object to the head.

[@marcroy5089]

I remember karlson's play during those playoffs. Everything he did turned into gold. He played the best hockey I've ever seen

[@psykkomancz]

100% agree. He was the best player in the world at that time, no question about that.

[@ImJustHereToWatch14]

They touch on it in the video, but those 2017 Sens weren't a good team so much as a mid-level team plus Karlsson absolutely refusing to lose.

[@kmcd151]

After you hurt me so badly with the 4-1 game and not even mentioning the Leafs trading Rask for Raycroft, this is exactly the video that I need. Time to watch.

[@M_11_m41n]

Future Hockey Collapses: 1993-94 & 2010-11 Vancouver Canucks 1996-97 & 2009-10 Philadelphia Flyers 1998-99 Dallas Stars 2003-04 Tampa Bay Lightning 2000-01 Colorado Avalanche 1989-90 & 2010-11 Boston Bruins 2003-04 Calgary Flames 1993-94 & 2013-14 New York Rangers 2005-06 Carolina Hurricanes 1998-99 & 2009-10 Buffalo Sabres 2015-16 San Jose Sharks

[@anokieonhockey9242]

Dallas won and was back in the Finals the next season. Fell off a bit after that but after missing playoffs in 2002 they won the division again in 2003 and were back in the Conference Finals in 2008. That isn't a collapse.

[@M_11_m41n]

@@anokieonhockey9242 But just like the Pacers, the Stars went into a long tailspin of mediocrity with a few seasons of contention. The mid-90s to early 2000s Stars was our best chances to win multiple championships.

[@Awesometrax]

Could very well be one for the 2017-18 Winnipeg Jets soon.

[@TheTrooper506]

@M_11_m41n man forgot about the 2010-2011 Canucks. Definitely a lesson there, it's really hard to get to the championship, so make it count when you get there. I think getting almost swept by the Kings the following season hurt the most. 2011-2012 - New Jersey Devils. Remember the Kovalchuk signing before the cup run came back to haunt them.

[@nochaserchambers]

That crew was very good. The Senators are one of those teams that has had the team to win the Cup a few times but always ran into the eventual winner. I still say the 2003 team was one of the best teams ever to not win the Cup. They just ran into that Devils core's last hurrah.

[@englishmuffin5274]

Been waiting a WHILE for this one. Thank you so much for delivering!!!

[@megsnowbird]

absolutely love to see the senators fail. no franchise deserves futility more than the ottawa senators. thank you for giving me this chance to reminisce :)

[@The090919900222]

You know what... I'm proud of what the Sens did... The fact that we scared the hell out of the potential Stanley Cup champs. That's saying something about how strong the team was...

[@djtrankilo231]

Potential?? That Pens squad won the Cup

[@nahiyanishtiaque1283]

Crazy how dark it was being a fan of this team 3-5 years But, all this happened. IN A SPAN OF THREE MONTHS: - New downtown arena in the works ensures that the team stays in Ottawa - Alfredsson, the Sens goat, gets inducted into the HHOF by creating a campaign that got support from the team (which was nonexistent in over 7 years) - Traded for Debrincat for not much - Signed Claude Giroux, a new fan favourite - Made the Talbot trade for better stability in net - Got rid of all the plugs not doing much (Tierney, Del Zotto, White, Murray, etc.) - Signed Motte and other solid depth pieces - Signed Josh Norris to a long-term contract - Signed Stutzle to a long-term contract - Alumni are back with roles in the organization (Redden, Phillips, Neil, Alfredsson soon hopefully) - Team has been not only listening but implementing feedback from players (upgraded facility, private chefs, etc.) - Sens Community foundation is back up and running after it was defunded - Season ticket sales went up by 60% Its crazy how much of a 180 the sens did after the 2017 playoff run, but even more impressive how they did a 180 in the positive way in a much shorter amount of time. It's been a long time coming for us Sens fans

[@adamh9660]

Great video! Really highlights the complete calamity that was this franchise in the backend of Melnyk's life. FINALLY, this year things are positive again. And (in my obviously biased opinion) the Sens won the Karlsson trade with Norris & Stutzle elite forwards expected to lead the team and a couple of high(ish) end prospects still coming up. Keep up the great work!!

[@t-tom6642]

Was one of the view outside of the market that was so excited to watch this team in those 2017 playoffs. Truly one of the most special hockey teams I’ve ever watched, despite all the claims of them being boring to watch

[@zakvitale1411]

As a pens fan, that ECF game 7 double OT goal by Kunitz is my favorite moment in the franchise. The absolute make or break relief made me jump for joy

[@MartinZeldaTP]

Love the video. It demonstrates so well the feelings I've been carrying with me for years, as a diehard Sens fan. With respect, it's really a shame that the death of the owner was the solution to this team's success. RIP.

[@Iguana-Power]

Request for a collapse video: the aftermath of the 1994 Rangers Stanley Cup-winning team. They did compete for a few years after, but when the bid for Joe Sakic failed in 1997, the team really fell off. They signed a bunch of fading stars to bloated contracts, and missed the playoffs in seven straight seasons. Meanwhile, their hated rival the Devils won the Cup three times in nine seasons.

[@devackroyd]

I have been a lifelong Oilers fan and that was a magical spring to watch, beyond the Oilers making the playoffs for the first time in 11 years, it was really hard not to route for Ottawa, a super likable group who played some fantastic hockey behind Erik Karlsson that spring. I was surprised that there was literally no mention of J.G Pageau, he was a big piece that was let go for that rebuild too, I will always remember watching that four goal game he scored that post-season. I definitely hope they are on the upswing now. I think I am ready though, a Collapse episode NEEDS to be done on the 2006 Oilers going from Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals, to four #1 overall picks between 2010 and 2015 and missing the playoffs for 10 full seasons following that run. Truly one of the more dramatic and atrocious organizational collapses in the history of hockey.

[@spamspam2808]

Huge shoutout to SB for pushing out a sens video, never thought I'd see a video about my favorite team!

[@cjvaye99]

I don't even watch hockey and still enjoyed this video. you guys are excellent at these

[@BSBSPSensGirl88]

Great video. I can't believe that people were using the arena's location as an excuse not to go to the game when it didn't matter at all when the team was doing well. Thank God we are finally coming out of that funk!

[@cashmoney4344]

Great to see another collapse video and some hockey content, especially this and the Alec Martinez goal. As a kings fan, thank you for that.

[@FoxMacLeod2501]

I love the use of the word "draw" in reference to not merely a bath, but a _blood_ bath, at 4:33 "... a bloodbath, drawn by Melnyk... " I've heard the phrase "draw a bath," but never thought of a bloodbath as something that, conceptually, would be drawn. But, one can also draw "first blood" (with extra points, if achieved within one's withdrawing room), which has me wondering if there's actually an etymological through-line here... Awesome video as always, Will!

[@NSUTurtle]

So much of the video is just spot on as and as a regular reader of Sliver Seven thank you for the spreading the word about their fundraising. Just two amendments Melynk was the biggest factor for the collapse, but Alex Burrows admitted that the players didn't handle the Hoffman-Karlsson affair well and neither did Melynk or Dorion. If Melynk went to hire a powerhouse lawyer for Randy Lee why not a crisis intervention for Hoffman-Karlsson. I knew when good morning america was talking about it was bad news. The only other note is that the only reason Bobby Ryan became a free agent is because the Sens brought him out early. Strip the team of veterans as you correctly stated and anyone who won in Ottawa previously. That dumb decision is part of why they can't sign Shane Pinto now. But like I said at first well done video. I'm guessing when players start to talk and shout out to Bobby Ryan from "Coming In Hot" hopefully more will be fleshed out.

[@Maplenr]

"Melnyj passed away in 2022" Always love a happy ending

[@alpearson9158]

ignorant moron

[@lebutzki]

The hockey ones are definitely my favorite ones. You could do collapses on a couple of franchise that came close like Vancouver in 2011 or the San Jose Sharks in 2016. But I would recommend looking into the 2005-06 Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, who then proceeded to miss the playoffs 11 of the next 12 years.

[@MadMike1]

Somehow, this isn't the most hurtful thing to happen to the Senators. I'm old enough to remember watching them job out to the Leafs every year in the playoffs, and then the 02-03 season that watched them win the President's Trophy only to lose to the Devils with one of the most pathetic defensive efforts I've ever seen (Wade Redden literally watched the puck go right by him, ugh). Watching them lose to the Penguins and then their whole roster falling apart was just another Tuesday as far as this franchise goes.

[@dylancontento2267]

Kravchuk was the one who messed up. Friesen should have been his.

[@ThrayBlade]

I think losing to Buf in 06 is up there too

[@nathanrobinson1099]

As a Leafs fan those series were absolutely wild with near irrational hate of the other team and players.

[@toomanyrifts_]

Ugh, I'm still mad at Redden for that!

[@michaelprzybylek9398]

Mad Mike! Love your Black Album review (sorry, being a Sens fan must be a gut punch)

[@queensgaelsmenshockey]

As a Sens fan, I couldn’t be more excited for the future. Sadly it took the death of Eugene Melnyk to do it. Seeing a sell out for the home opener was great!

[@thesmollboi4479]

Love these videos. Could we get a 2011 Canucks version of this? Would be sick

[@dgorospe]

The 2010s Canucks would be a great topic, despite the pain it would bring me to watch. Years losing to the Hawks in the post-season, consecutive President's Trophies in 11 and 12, losing to the 8th seed Kings, then the immediate drop to last in the division. Sprinkle in some Kesler drama, goalie drama, coach drama (Torts storming the Calgary locker room, anyone?), and you got yourself a Collapse.

[@WithScienceAsMySheperd]

Have you done the 2021 Montreal Canadien's unthinkable run to the cup? My oldest hockey memories as a toddler are the 1986 Canadien's cup, and I remember well the 1993 cup win. But my team were the 1990s Red Wings. From the 1991 Score cards to this day! Sergei Fedorov, Nicklas Lidstrom, Steve Yzerman. AND Dominik Hasek! Couldn't believe we got Hasek on the team at some point! Like How the Habs got Correy Perry for their epic run. 'Member the draft of Correy Perry and the pool we did that year. Never imagined he'd be ther eand that Arturi Lekonene would become the legend he is now, one year later, and 2 series winning goals later (a cup winning one to boot!)

[@every_eve]

I'm a Pens fan and I can't help but feel sad after that goal in 2OT. They look like they might be on the come-up soon, though.

[@Astianax27]

You have no idea how it broke us

[@djtrankilo231]

Y'all might have broken the Preds, too

[@every_eve]

That game six in Nashville was craaazy

[@jeffcherubin9073]

Another great video and I would like to point out that when broussard was traded away from the rangers for Mika I was sad but 5 years later with hindsight it was for the best. And I've been familiar with the Mike Hoffman situation due to urinating tree doing a video on Ottawa and which he summed up the situatiion by saying that Hoffman was a cancer by proxy. And I knew Erik wanted out regardless but I think that situation really solidified it

[@ratman9968]

these are incredible, love it!!!

[@Rena2star]

An interesting note: Brassard is back on the team now, signed after being on a PTO

[@memphis4590]

Thank you for this, from a Sens fan I can finally close the book on this chapter

[@HIP-HOPOPOTAMUS]

Great summary. Missed the one tidbit of Melnyk threatening relocation on the eve of the outdoor game vs Montreal. Issues with the team aside, it was yet another example of Melnyk's ego. The day before the Senators were set to be the focus of the NHL by hosting an outdoor game, the man goes in front of a camera and not so subtly states that if attendance doesnt improve, the team may look elsewhere.

[@88laserbeam]

so many great memories...EK65, Stone, pageau...but now we turn the page and a new generation begins!

[@generussell6145]

Ty for this. Hoping for one about the 2006/7 cup final.

[@codfishbricker]

As a Pens fan let me say how special that OTT team was. I had held an abnormal disdain for OTT (a non-division foe the Pens traditionally beat) ever since my 1st experience w/Pens playoff hockey was OTT eliminating them 4-1 in the 1st round in '07. Going into the series in '17, many folks, myself included expected OTT to lose in 5 if not get swept. Despite being a decade since they eliminated us & PIT having swept OTT in '08 & eliminated them 4-1 in '12; grudge lingering, I really wanted that sweep...old habits die hard. OTT took game 1 and as the series went on you couldn't help but like this team, from their scrappy play, to Anderson's playing like he rarely had before inspite of his wife's battle w/cancer, to Clarke McArthur coming back from extremely prolonged concussion issues thought likely to have ended his career, to Bobby Ryan shining after such scrutiny having been drafted the pick after Crosby, to Karlsson playing to a level of which all were forced to accept him as the 2nd best player in the world while playing with a serious injury, I was overjoyed & relieved when Kunitz scored in OT in game 7 but when the camera cut to that shot of Anderson in stunned resignation w/I believe Stone & Karlsson, that was really hard to watch. It took a lot of joy out of that moment b/c there would be no storybook ending for this team very much deserving of it. Watching this collapse in real time was sad too. 2 things that went missed in this video is that Clarke McArthur (was went unmentioned) received another concussion, this one ending his career, I believe that was in training camp of '17-'18. The other being Karlsson's never been the same player, he's still a great player but experienced a premature & serious decline largely due to the impact of foot injuries on his skating, arguably of which can be traced back to this run in which he went 'God Mode' despite a broken foot. I'll leave this with something to make it a little easier to swallow. In the handshake line following the game the respective Captains met, with Karlsson ever so briefly stopping Crosby, patting him on the chest & telling him "go get another one." Who does that? What unbelievable class. I've loved Erik Karlsson ever since that series.

[@saltywingsandavsfan]

Now they got Jimmy Stu leading the way and other prospects to help this team. This team is now looking like a fun team to watch with this new youth run

[@slwmusic]

To be honest, I hope the Sens do well with Melnyk gone. He was limiting the team and as a certain sports KZbinr said, "Dorian can now play the forbidden songs on the jukebox." We believe in you, Ottawa!

[@Isaiah-x45]

RIP Eugene Melnyk and Bryan Murray. Great video.

[@jackX3]

one of the best youtube channels out there no doubt.

[@SN-xw4gh]

Being a fan of the Sens it's nice to see the spotlight on them at all. Being in Canada and not a top tier team makes them second page to alot of other teams with larger fan bases, coverage, etc. It was cool to see it all put together, because living through it was too depressing to think critically at the time 😂😭

[@smwstudio9427]

Damn i was a die hard sens fan from 2007-17, the loss hurt so much i haven’t seriously watched them since. Love the young team we got now tho

[@theguywiththewhiteboard]

Besides 2006-07 & 2016-17 seasons, the Senators are usually forgotten about in the NHL. Even when you look at their history since coming back to the NHL, it’s full of torture on & off the ice. I hope they get things turned around.

[@DanoFSmith-yc9tg]

Just in addition to all this, I feel like it has to be said, Pierre Dorian has done a fantastic job, both doing his best to steady the ship while his hands were tied by Eugene during the collapse era, and his job in rebuilding the franchise since. The Sens are absolutely stacked with young talent both up front and on D, they seem like they’re just a good young goalie away really. I don’t know what’s going on with the ownership of the club, now that Melnyk has passed, but I feel like Dorian should be getting at least a few shares with his performance and dedication to that organization over the last decade or so.

[@mikedav8574]

You absolutely have no understanding. Sure Dorion has added great pieces this summer but we’re here now cause of the rebuild and how well we drafted. If you’ve followed Dorion the past few years you’d know he has had many misses

[@zach17000]

One of the things that always hurt was how many of the Senators left to captain or become great players in other organizations. It is Mind boggling All at the hands of Melnyk.

[@PuckinHockey]

Great watch!! I loved that 2017 team. Lots of interesting details I didn't know about!

[@nathanjohnson2382]

The new era of the Sens might be something can’t wait to see

[@alexanderfysh410]

As a Sens fan, this was a lot easier to take now with where the teams at that it would've been even a few months ago. They've been looking good! I remember how sad I was the day they traded Karlsson. Turns out it might be the greatest trade in franchise history, maybe only behind shipping Yashin to the Isles for Spezza and Chara.

[@trevorfromcanada5790]

As a Senators fan this was really well done, so glad our team is finally looking up again.

[@21rocky1]

And now the team might be going up for sale soon. RIP Melnyk, but with the great moves the team this off season and new progress on the downtown arena, imagining what actual good ownership could do is exciting!

[@asecretone]

I know so little about hockey that *every* name and event in this could have been completely made up and I'd have no idea. Great stuff 👍

[@E-Brightvoid]

The Oduya/Hjalmarsson Defensive pairing was👌👌👌

[@WaybetterthanBron23]

When they were on Chicago they were my favorite defenseman

[@RipleyJ]

As a sens fan, this is for all you sports fans We often are lifers, ride or die fans. This stretch of fandom for me, stopped me from watching hockey... All together. It was painful to wake up every week to some new bomb on the internet. It's sad when someone passes, but even sadder when that was the only way a team could begin to heal and improve

[@liltiger3]

I'm surprised this is the Canadian NHL team you guys chose to cover. Not that I don't think this Ottawa team is unworthy of a profile, but the 2011 Canucks and this same Sens franchise of 06/07 seem like more interesting teams.

[@therocknrollmillennial535]

So, I'm totally biased, because I will be a Sens fan for life, but I strongly contest that, with the momentum we had going in '17, we would've easily wrapped up the Preds. Reliving this hurts, but not nearly as bad (considering I was more of an NFL fan than I am an NHL fan) as the rewinder of the Bengals-Steelers playoff game you guys had to post at the beginning of the season. I have faith that the Sens will one day reach the mountaintop. I'm less than a year removed from my Bengals making the Super Bowl, so anything can happen. The current Sens team is full of great, young talent, we just need to make the playoffs to test us a little bit, so we know what (minor) success tastes like and we won't be complete neophytes. I'm just hoping that the cycle doesn't repeat itself, because I don't think I can wait until 2026-7 for another magical run.

[@djtrankilo231]

whoa! didn't expect this one. but the Senators collapsing after that one-timer was crazy

[@noahmoon6693]

As an Ottawa fan I don't know why but this collapse hurt so much more then when the sens lost in the cup finals

[@TheMur28]

It’s weird to say this, but the most emotionally challenging shift I’ve worked was the day after the game 7 loss. Everyone in town was just sad all day. I’ve worked after much harder personal things, but I was able to feed off of everybody else’s positivity. That wasn’t an option that day.

[@soundcityguitars]

As a fellow Sens fan and Ottawa native, I know why. It’s because we had a REAL shot at the Cup if we had gotten past Pittsburgh - we matched up very well with Nashville. Plus, we would have been playing against Mike Fisher, which would have been a huge full-circle moment. That playoff run had a “team of destiny” feel to it when it really got going - especially with the numerous OT wins the Sens had. Seeing it ripped away in double OT was soul crushing. With 2007 I think, deep down inside, all Sens fans kinda knew we were screwed when Anaheim advanced. Nothing short of a miracle was stopping the Ducks that year.

[@englishmuffin5274]

@@soundcityguitars We were cheering for you guys too down here in TN. Not because we thought it'd be easy/easier, but for how it would've been a 90s expansion SCF and even if we did lose to OTT, at least 1 of the teams would be a 1st-time winner(not counting the old Senators franchise, of course).

[@gregwhitworth8046]

Despite all of this, the Sens have been going into the right direction. With picking up Claude Giroux and DeBrincat, this team has looked the most competitive since the 2017 cup run

[@ryanlaferriere5816]

The best part about the Hoffman trade--the Senators took less in return in order to move Hoffman to San Jose, wanting to keep him out of their division. However, San Jose flipped Hoffman to Florida (a team within Ottawa's division) HOURS later for a much better package

[@countof3everybodyOD]

And now Karlsson is on Pittsburgh, hoping to help the core that bested him to one more magic run to hoisting lord Stanley’s fabled Cup

[@maxguibord5548]

as a sens fan , i must say that its really on point on what happened to my beloved sens

[@NitroKlips]

As a long time sens fan, this reminder is not fun but needed to be properly documented. I thank you all at Secret Base. I went to all the home games that season.

[@toomanyrifts_]

Man, and you didn't even bring up the "we're a team" moment? Wow. As a Sens Fan, this video brings back a lot of pain. But the future looks fun!

[@saucepois3172]

That Karlsson saucer pass to Mike Hoffman vs Boston in the 2017 playoffs lives rent free in my head

[@alexanderstonelake9447]

Should do the Oilers. Games seven Stanley Cup Final 2005-2006, to being the worst in their division and missing the playoffs.

[@junkyardanimations]

Solid. Thank You for making this. 🔥🔥🔥

[@hand_and_justin_entertainment]

I think KZbin notifications actively doesn't want to notify me of you guy's uploads. Even when I have notifications turned on...