Editing Ottawa Senators (section)

===Bryan Murray era (2004–2016)===
After the playoff loss, owner Melnyk promised that changes were coming, and they came quickly. In June 2004, Anaheim Ducks general manager [[Bryan Murray (ice hockey)|Bryan Murray]] of nearby [[Shawville, Quebec|Shawville]] became the head coach. That summer, the team also made substantial personnel changes, trading long-time players [[Patrick Lalime]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Lalime exits Senators: Senators ship goaltender to Blues for draft pick |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |pages=C1 |last=Panzeri |first=Allen |date=June 28, 2004}}</ref> and Radek Bonk,<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=June 27, 2004 |title=Senators go for more bucks and less Bonk; Trade to Habs opens door for Hasek |last=Campbell |first=Ken}}</ref> and signing free agent goaltender [[Dominik Hašek|Dominik Hasek]].<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=July 7, 2004 |title=A Capital Goaltender |pages=E04 |agency=The Canadian Press}}</ref> The team would not be able to show its new line-up for a year, as the [[2004–05 NHL lock-out]] intervened and most players played in Europe or in the minors. In a final change, just before the [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06 season]], the team traded long-time player Marian Hossa for [[Dany Heatley]].<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |title=Hossa-for-Heatley trade was best deal available |last=Rotenberg |first=David|date=September 12, 2005 |page=A13}}</ref>

[[File:Daniel Alfredsson.jpg|thumb|alt=man in white hockey equipment on ice skating with puck|[[Daniel Alfredsson]] played together with [[Jason Spezza]] and [[Dany Heatley]], forming the CASH [[line (ice hockey)|line]]. They led the Senators to their first Finals appearance.]]
The media predicted the Senators to be Stanley Cup contenders in 2005–06, as they had a strong core of players returning. They played an up-tempo style that fit the new rule changes, and Hasek was expected to provide top-notch goaltending.<ref>{{cite news |title=Printers of old missed: He could have run for mayor |newspaper=Vancouver Province |last=Willes |first=Ed |pages=A43 |date=October 3, 2003}}</ref> The team rushed out of the gate, winning 19 of the first 22 games, in the end winning 52 games and 113 points, placing first in the conference, and second overall. The newly formed 'CASH' line<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |date=November 17, 2005 |title=The Cash Line easily wins the vote|last=Citizen staff|pages=C1}}</ref> of Alfredsson, Spezza and newly acquired Dany Heatley established itself as one of the league's [[List of ice hockey line nicknames|top offensive lines]].<ref>{{cite journal | last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |journal=The Hockey News |date=October 30, 2007|title=Team Reports}}</ref> Hasek played well until he was injured during the [[2006 Winter Olympics]],<ref>{{Cite news |title=Hasek likely finished |newspaper=Leader Post |last=Scanlan |first=Wayne |date=February 16, 2006 |pages=C3}}</ref> forcing the team to enter the playoffs with rookie netminder [[Ray Emery]] as their starter.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/hockey/nhl/specials/playoffs/2006/04/21/predictions/?cnn=yes |title=SI.Com predictions |access-date=August 24, 2007 |publisher=CNN |date=April 21, 2006 |archive-date=June 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622073208/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/hockey/nhl/specials/playoffs/2006/04/21/predictions/?cnn=yes |url-status=dead}}</ref> Without Hasek, the club bowed out in a second-round loss to the Buffalo Sabres.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators fold in playoffs again; SABRES 3 SENATORS 2 Sabres WIN series 4-1 Ottawa just can't shake choker label |last=Campbell |first=Ken |newspaper=Toronto Star |location=Toronto, Ont |date=May 14, 2006 |page=B03}}</ref>

In [[2006–07 NHL season|2006–07]], the Senators reached the [[2007 Stanley Cup Finals|Stanley Cup Finals]] after qualifying for the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons. The Senators had a high turn-over of personnel and the disappointment of 2006 to overcome and started the season poorly. Trade rumours swirled around Daniel Alfredsson for most of the last months of 2006. The team lifted itself out of last place in the division to nearly catch the Buffalo Sabres by season's end, placing fourth in the Eastern Conference. The team finished with 105 points, their fourth consecutive 100-point season and sixth in the last eight. In the playoffs, Ottawa continued its good play. Led by the 'CASH' line, goaltender Ray Emery, and the strong defence of Chris Phillips and [[Anton Volchenkov]], the club defeated the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]], the second-ranked New Jersey Devils and the top-ranked Sabres to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators off to Stanley Cup final |last=Naylor |first=David |work=The Globe and Mail (Online) |location=Toronto|date=May 19, 2007}}</ref>

The 2006–07 Senators thus became the first Ottawa team to be in a Stanley Cup Finals since [[1927 Stanley Cup Finals|1927]], and the city was swept up in the excitement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=209233&hubname=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017165001/http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=209233&hubname= |archive-date=October 17, 2007 |title=Ottawa Unites to embrace Senators |last=Wallace |first=Lisa |publisher=The Sports Network |date=May 29, 2007|access-date=November 2, 2007}}</ref> Businesses along all of the main streets posted large hand-drawn "Go Sens Go" signs, residents put up large displays in front of their homes or decorated their cars.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSKRA47816120070604?sp=true |title=Ottawa captivated by Stanley Cup finals return |last=Keating |first=Steve |work=Reuters |date=May 29, 2007 |access-date=November 2, 2007 |archive-date=October 17, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017175150/http://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSKRA47816120070604?sp=true |url-status=live}}</ref> A large Ottawa Senators flag was draped on the City Hall, along with a large video screen showing the games. A six-storey likeness of Daniel Alfredsson was hung on the Corel building.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/2007-05-27-4282159028_x.htm |title=Tale of two cities: Fired-up Ottawa, laid-back Anaheim |work=USA Today |last=Peters |first=Ken |date=May 29, 2007 |access-date=November 30, 2007}}</ref> Rallies were held outside of City Hall, car rallies of decorated cars paraded through town and a section of downtown, dubbed the "Sens Mile", was closed off to traffic during and after games for fans to congregate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=83fd382f-1a25-474c-843c-0628b5701406&k=42535 |title=Ottawa Senators fans paint the town red |first=Meagan |last=Fitzpatrick |publisher=CanWest News Service |date=May 24, 2007 |access-date=November 1, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017124206/http://canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=83fd382f-1a25-474c-843c-0628b5701406&k=42535 |archive-date=October 17, 2007}}</ref>

In the Stanley Cup Finals, the Senators faced the Anaheim Ducks, considered a favourite since the start of the season, a team the Senators had last played in 2006, and a team known for its strong defence. The Ducks won the first two games in Anaheim 3–2 and 1–0. Returning home, the Senators won game three 5–3 but lost game four 3–2. The Ducks won game five 6–2 in Anaheim to clinch the series and their first Stanley Cup championship. The Ducks had played outstanding defence, shutting down the 'CASH' line, forcing Murray to split up the line. The Ducks scored timely goals and Ducks' goaltender [[Jean-Sébastien Giguère|Jean-Sebastien Giguere]] out-played Emery.<ref name="cbc-finals">{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ducks-destroy-senators-to-win-stanley-cup-1.637260 |title=Ducks destroy Senators to win Stanley Cup |publisher=CBCSports.ca |access-date=May 25, 2018 |date=June 7, 2007 |archive-date=May 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511075824/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ducks-destroy-senators-to-win-stanley-cup-1.637260 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the off-season after the Stanley Cup Finals, Bryan Murray's contract was expiring. At the same time, general manager (GM) John Muckler had one season remaining and was expected to retire. Murray, who had previously been a general manager for other NHL clubs, was expected to take over the general manager position, although no public timetable was given. Owner Melnyk decided to offer Muckler another position in the organization and give the general manager position to Murray. Muckler declined the offer and was relieved from his position.<ref name="muckler-murray">{{cite news |title=Murray in, Muckler out; Senators fire Muckler, promote head coach Murray to GM |last=Yzerman |first=Chris |newspaper=The Spectator |location=Hamilton, Ont. |date=June 19, 2007 |page=SP2}}</ref> Melnyk publicly justified the move, saying that he expected to lose Murray if his contract ran out.<ref name="muckler-murray"/> Murray then elevated [[John Paddock]], the assistant coach, to head coach of the Senators.<ref>{{cite news |title=Experience makes Paddock best pick |last=Scanlan |first=Wayne |newspaper=Leader Post |location=Regina, Sask. |date=July 7, 2007 |page=C4}}</ref> Under Paddock, the team came out to a record start to the [[2007–08 NHL season|2007–08 season]]. However, team play declined to a .500 level, and the team was falling out of the playoffs. Paddock was fired by Murray, who took over coaching on an interim basis.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators fire Paddock after loss to Boston |last=Panzeri |first=Allen |newspaper=Star - Phoenix |location=Saskatoon, Sask. |date=February 28, 2008 |page=B3}}</ref> The club managed to qualify for the playoffs by a tie-breaker but was swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Pittsburgh Penguins. In June, the club bought out goaltender Ray Emery, who had become notorious for off-ice events in Ottawa and lateness to several team practices.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators buy out Emery |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |work=The Edmonton Sun |location=Edmonton, Alberta |date=June 21, 2008 |page=S.5}}</ref>

[[File:Martin Gerber.jpg|thumb|left|alt=man wearing black goaltender mask and hockey equipment |[[Martin Gerber]] was a goaltender for the Senators from 2006 to 2009.]]
For 2008–09, Murray hired [[Craig Hartsburg]] to coach the Senators. Under Hartsburg's style, the Senators struggled and played under .500. Uneven goaltending with [[Martin Gerber]] and [[Alex Auld]] meant the team played cautiously to protect the goaltender. Murray's patience ran out in February 2009, with the team well out of playoff contention, and Hartsburg was fired, although he had two years left on his contract, and the team also had Paddock under contract.<ref name="clouston-signing">{{cite news |title=Senators sign coach Clouston to new deal |newspaper=Calgary Herald |location=Calgary, Alta |date=April 9, 2009 |page=F.2}}</ref> [[Cory Clouston]] was elevated from the [[Binghamton Senators|Binghamton]] coaching position.<ref name="clouston-signing"/> The team played above .500 under Clouston and rookie goaltender [[Brian Elliott]], who had been promoted from Binghamton. Gerber was waived from the team at the trading deadline, and the team traded for goaltender [[Pascal Leclaire]], although he would not play due to injury. The team failed to make the playoffs for the first time in 12 seasons. Auld would be traded in the off-season to make room. Clouston's coaching had caused a rift with top player Dany Heatley (although unspecified "personal issues" were also noted by Heatley), and after Clouston was given a contract to continue coaching, Heatley made a trade demand and was traded to the San Jose Sharks just before the start of the 2009–10 season.<ref name="sun-sens-trade-history">{{cite news |title=A history of the Ottawa Senators big trades |website=The Ottawa Sun |publisher=Postmedia Network Inc. |date=September 13, 2018}}</ref>

In [[2009–10 NHL season|2009–10]], the Senators were a .500 team until going on a team-record 11-game winning streak in January. The streak propelled the team to the top of the Northeast Division standings and a top-three placing for the playoffs. The team could not hold off the Sabres for the division lead but qualified for the playoffs in the fifth position. For the third season in four, the Senators played off against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round. A highlight for the Senators was winning a triple-overtime fifth game in Pittsburgh,<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators survive in 3OT ; NHL PLAYOFFS: Matt Carkner staves off elimination by scoring off a deflection to end the longest game in Ottawa's history |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |newspaper=The London Free Press |date=April 23, 2010 |page=D.1}}</ref> but the team could not win a playoff game on home ice, losing the series in six games.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators' playoff drive crashes to a halt |newspaper=The Guelph Mercury |location=Guelph, Ont. |date=April 26, 2010 |page=B2}}</ref>

The Senators had a much poorer than expected [[2010–11 NHL season|2010–11 campaign]], resulting in constant rumours of a shakeup right through until December. The rumours were heightened in January after the team went on a lengthy losing streak. January was a dismal month for the Senators, winning only one game. Media speculated on the imminent firing of Clouston, Murray or both. Owner Melynk cleared the air in an article in the January 22, 2011 edition of the ''[[Ottawa Sun]].'' Melnyk stated that he would not fire either Clouston or Murray but that he had given up on this season and was in the process of developing a plan for the future.<ref>{{cite news |work=Ottawa Sun |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |title=Sun exclusive: Melnyk breaks silence |url=http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2011/01/22/16997541.html |date=January 23, 2011 |access-date=March 8, 2011 |archive-date=January 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126000421/http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2011/01/22/16997541.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On Monday, January 24, ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'' reported that the plan included hiring a new general manager before the June entry draft and that Murray would be retained as an advisor to the team. A decision on whether to retain Clouston would be made by the new general manager. The article by Roy MacGregor, a long-time reporter of the Ottawa Senators, stated that former assistant coach [[Pierre McGuire]] had already been interviewed.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/senators-set-the-dynamite-and-prepare-to-blow-things-up/article1880269/ |title=Senators set the dynamite and prepare to blow things up |last=MacGregor |first=Roy |date=January 24, 2011 |work=The Globe and Mail |access-date=September 7, 2017 |archive-date=April 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417220044/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/senators-set-the-dynamite-and-prepare-to-blow-things-up/article1880269/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Murray, in a press conference that day, stated that he wished to stay on as the team's general manager. He also stated that Melnyk was allowing him to continue as the general manager without restraint. Murray said that the players were now to be judged by their play until the February 28 trade deadline. Murray would attempt to move "a couple, at least," of the players for draft picks or prospects at that time if the Senators remained out of playoff contention.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2011/01/24/17012116.html |title=Murray: I want to stay on as Sens GM |work=Ottawa Sun |date=January 24, 2011 |last=Brennan |first=Don |access-date=March 8, 2011 |archive-date=October 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001200028/http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2011/01/24/17012116.html |url-status=live}}</ref><!-- At the time of Murray's comments, the team was eight games under .500 and 14 points out of a playoff position after 49 games.{{cn|date=March 2022}} -->

[[File:Craig Anderson 2013-05-24.JPG|upright|thumb|alt=man wearing hockey goaltending equipment |During the 2010–11 season, the Senators acquired [[Craig Anderson (ice hockey)|Craig Anderson]] after swapping goaltenders with the [[Colorado Avalanche]].]]
True to his word, Murray made a flurry of trades. He started his overhaul with the trading of [[Mike Fisher (ice hockey)|Mike Fisher]] to the [[Nashville Predators]]. Fisher already had a home in [[Nashville]] with his wife [[Carrie Underwood]]. The trading of Fisher, a fan favourite in Ottawa, led to a small anti-Underwood backlash with the banning of her songs from the playlists of some local radio stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cp24.com/ottawa-radio-station-bans-carrie-underwood-music-after-sens-trade-1.606106 |title=Ottawa radio station bans Carrie Underwood music after Sens trade |author=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto |via=cp24.com |date=February 10, 2011 |access-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407093734/https://www.cp24.com/ottawa-radio-station-bans-carrie-underwood-music-after-sens-trade-1.606106 |url-status=live}}</ref> Murray next traded veterans [[Chris Kelly (ice hockey)|Chris Kelly]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Rebuild mode: Boston acquires Chris Kelly from Ottawa for a second-round pick |agency=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto, Ont. |date=February 16, 2011}}</ref> and [[Jarkko Ruutu]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators send left-winger Jarkko Ruutu to Anaheim Ducks for sixth-round pick |agency=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto, Ont.|date=February 17, 2011}}</ref> A swap of goaltenders was made with the [[Colorado Avalanche]] which brought [[Craig Anderson (ice hockey)|Craig Anderson]] to Ottawa in exchange for Brian Elliott, both goaltenders having sub-par years.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators acquire goalie Craig Anderson from Avalanche for Brian Elliott |last=Yzerman |first=Chris |agency=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto , Ont. |date=February 18, 2011}}</ref> Next, under-achieving forward [[Alexei Kovalev|Alex Kovalev]] was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ottawa Senators send Alex Kovalev to Pittsburgh Penguins for draft pick |last=Yzerman |first=Chris |agency=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto, Ont. |date=February 24, 2011}}</ref> On trade deadline day, Ottawa picked up goaltender [[Curtis McElhinney]] on waivers. It traded [[Chris Campoli]] with a seventh-round pick to the [[Chicago Blackhawks]] for a second-round pick and [[Ryan Potulny]].<ref>{{cite news |title=When the dealing's done; Sens trade Campoli to Chicago for Potulny, pick, claim goalie McElhinney off waivers from Tampa |last=Panzeri |first=Allen |newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen |date=March 1, 2011| page=B.1}}</ref> Goaltender Anderson played very well down the stretch for Ottawa, and the team quickly signed the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent to a four-year contract.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators sign goaltender Craig Anderson to $12.75-million, four-year extension |last=Yzerman |first=Chris |agency=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto, Ont. |date=March 21, 2011}}</ref> After media speculation on the future of Murray within the organization, Murray was re-signed as general manager on April 8 to a three-year extension.<ref>{{cite news |work=TSN |date=April 8, 2011 |title=Murray agrees to three-year deal to stay as Senators' GM |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=361371 |access-date=December 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113095816/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=361371 |archive-date=November 13, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 9, head coach Cory Clouston and assistants Greg Carvel and [[Brad Lauer]] were dismissed from their positions.<ref name="clouston-firing">{{cite news |title=Ottawa fires coach Cory Clouston after disappointing season |newspaper=Daily Bulletin |location=Kimberley, B.C. |date=April 11, 2011 |page=10}}</ref> Murray said that the decision was made based on the fact that the team entered the season believing it was a contender, but finished with a 32–40–10 record.<ref name="clouston-firing"/> Former [[Detroit Red Wings]]' assistant coach [[Paul MacLean (ice hockey)|Paul MacLean]] was hired as Clouston's replacement on June 14, 2011.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators to unveil MacLean as coach; GM Murray to name Detroit assistant as new bench boss |last=Panzeri |first=Allen |newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen |date=June 14, 2011 |page=B1}}</ref>

As the [[2011–12 NHL season|2011–12 season]] began, many hockey [[Sports journalism|writers]] and [[Sports commentator|commentators]] were convinced that the Senators would finish at or near the bottom of the NHL standings.<ref>{{cite web |website=slam.canoe.ca |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Ottawa/2011/09/14/18687986.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717013633/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Ottawa/2011/09/14/18687986.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=July 17, 2012 |title=Five things Sens need to do to make playoffs |date=September 14, 2011}}</ref> While rebuilding, the Ottawa line-up contained many [[rookie]]s and inexperienced players. The team struggled out of the gate, losing five of their first six games before a reversal of fortunes saw them win six games in a row. In December 2011, the team acquired forward [[Kyle Turris]] from the [[Phoenix Coyotes]] in exchange for highly regarded prospect [[David Rundblad]] and a draft pick.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators acquire Turris from Coyotes; For Rundblad; 'To get a top-six forward you... have to pay for it' |last=Panzeri |first=Allen |newspaper=National Post |location=Don Mills, Ont. |date=December 19, 2011 |page=B2}}</ref> The team improved its play afterwards and moved into a playoff position before the All-Star Game. For the first time in Senators' history, the All-Star Game was held in Ottawa and considered a great success. Five Senators were voted in or named to the event, including Daniel Alfredsson, who was named the captain of one team.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators to have most players at All-Star game; ? Host club will have five representatives at Jan. 29 tilt |agency=Reuters |newspaper=The Times - Transcript |location=Moncton, N.B. |date=January 13, 2012 |page=D.1}}</ref> The team continued its playoff push after the break. After starting goaltender Craig Anderson injured his hand in a [[kitchen]] accident at home, the Senators called up [[Robin Lehner]] from Binghamton and acquired highly regarded goaltender [[Ben Bishop]] from the [[St. Louis Blues]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Crease gets crowded with trade for Bishop |last=Scanlan |first=Wayne |newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen |date=February 27, 2012 |page=B.1}}</ref> While Anderson recovered, the team continued its solid play and finished as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, drawing a first-round playoff matchup against the Conference champion [[New York Rangers]]. Ultimately, Ottawa lost the series in seven games.<ref>{{cite news |title=Last Canadian team falls: Ottawa Senators lose 2-1 in Game 7 in New York |last=Cox |first=Damien |newspaper=Waterloo Region Record |location=Kitchener, Ont. |date=April 27, 2012 |page=C.1}}</ref>

[[File:Paul MacLean 2013-05-24.JPG|left|thumb|upright|alt=man with moustache in suit|[[Paul MacLean (ice hockey)|Paul MacLean]] was awarded the [[Jack Adams Award]] during the [[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13 season]]. He was the Senators' head coach from 2011 to 2014.]]
The [[2012–13 NHL season|next season]], Ottawa would be challenged to repeat the success they had in 2011–12 due to long-term injuries to key players such as [[Erik Karlsson]], Jason Spezza, [[Milan Michálek|Milan Michalek]] and Craig Anderson.<ref name="adams-win">{{cite news |title=AWESOME ANNIVERSARY ; Paul MacLean wins Jack Adams two years after landing Sens gig
|last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |newspaper=The Ottawa Sun |date=June 15, 2013 |page=42}}</ref> Despite these injuries, the Senators would finish seventh in the Eastern Conference and head coach Paul MacLean would go on to win the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's coach of the year.<ref name="adams-win"/> In a rivalry series, Ottawa defeated the second-seeded Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs in five games, blowing out Montreal 6–1 in games three and five.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hey, hey, hey, goodbye Habs ; NHL PLAYOFFS: Ottawa 6, Montreal 1 |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |newspaper=The Beacon Herald |location=Stratford, Ont. |date=May 10, 2013 |page=B.1}}</ref> This was the first Montreal-Ottawa playoff series since Ottawa joined the league and the first between the cities' teams since the original Senators played the Canadiens in 1927.<ref>{{cite news |title=Canadiens-Senators finally set for first playoff meeting as Cup quest begins |last=Beacon |first=Bill |agency=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto, Ont. |date=May 1, 2013}}</ref> The Senators could not repeat the upset, losing to the top-seeded Pittsburgh Penguins in five games in the second round.<ref>{{cite news |title=Penguins simply too much for Senators |last=Arthur |first=Bruce |newspaper=The Windsor Star |location=Windsor, Ont. |date=May 25, 2013 |page=E1}}</ref>

July 5, 2013, would be a day of mixed emotions for the city and fans, as long-time captain Daniel Alfredsson signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings, leaving Ottawa after 17 seasons with the Senators and 14 as captain after a contract dispute.<ref name="panzeri-2013">{{cite news |title=A bittersweet farewell; Daniel Alfredsson Thanked The City Of Ottawa And Senators Fans Thursday As He Made Final Preparations To Leave For Detroit, Allen Panzeri Writes. But His Revelation That Broken Promises Over Money Played A Big Part In His Decision Kicked Off A Day Full Of Recriminations |first=Allen |last=Panzeri |newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen |date=August 16, 2013 |page=B.1}}</ref> The signing shocked numerous fans across the city and many within the Senators organization.<ref name="panzeri-2013"/> The day finished optimistically, however, as Murray acquired star forward [[Bobby Ryan]] from the Anaheim Ducks, hoping Ryan could replace Alfredsson on the top line with Jason Spezza. Murray would also sign free-agent forward [[Clarke MacArthur]] to a two-year contract that same day and bring back former defenceman [[Joe Corvo]] to a one-year contract three days later on July 8, 2013.<ref>{{cite news |title=A NEW BATTLE; New faces abound, but the Senators and Leafs will continue to wage war for Ontario next season. We look at the fresh (bad) blood |last=Garrioch |first=Bruce |newspaper=The Ottawa Sun |date=August 13, 2013 |page=34}}</ref>

For the [[2013–14 NHL season|2013–14 season]], the league realigned and Ottawa was assigned to the new Atlantic Division along with the rest of the old Northeast Division and the Detroit Red Wings, formerly of the [[Western Conference (NHL)|Western Conference]].<ref>{{cite news |title=With Olympic agreement reached, NHL releases its 2013-14 schedule |last=Whyno |first=Stephen |agency=The Canadian Press |location=Toronto, Ont. |date=July 19, 2013}}</ref> The re-alignment brought increased competition to qualify for the playoffs, as there were now 16 teams in the Eastern Conference fighting for eight playoff spots. The season began with a changing of leadership, as on September 14, 2013, the Ottawa Senators named Jason Spezza their eighth captain in franchise history.<ref>{{cite news |title=Spezza named captain of Ottawa Senators |newspaper=Mississauga News |date=September 14, 2013 |page=1}}</ref> While new addition Clarke MacArthur had a career year, Ryan and Spezza struggled to find chemistry, and Ryan was moved to a line with MacArthur and Kyle Turris.<ref>{{cite news |title=COLD STARS; Bobby Ryan and Jason Spezza need to start doing what they are expected do -- score |last=Brennan |first=Don |newspaper=The Ottawa Sun |date=January 28, 2014 |page=24}}</ref> Corvo lost his place in the line-up and was waived.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bobby Ryan isn't sweating trades this year ... Oilers aren't putting Szabados in net ... Conacher won't quit his day job |first=Derek |last=Van Diest |newspaper=The Edmonton Sun |date=March 5, 2014 |page=S.5}}</ref> The team outside of a playoff position, Murray bolstered the club with a trade for flashy right-winger [[Aleš Hemský|Ales Hemsky]] from the [[Edmonton Oilers]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators acquire Hemsky from Oilers, sign Phillips to contract extension |last=Spencer |first=Donna |agency=The Canadian Press |date=March 5, 2014}}</ref> The club, however, was eliminated from playoff contention in the last week of the season, finishing five points short.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rivals take different roads; Habs have soared, Sens have faltered since Ottawa's 2013 playoff victory |last=Scanlan |first=Wayne |newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen |date=January 15, 2015 |page=B.1}}</ref> Further disappointment ensued as the team lost Hemsky to free agency and Spezza requested a trade out of Ottawa, ending the era of the stars of the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals team.<ref>{{cite news |title=Spezza trade request sad end to an era in Ottawa: Senators team that once looked so promising now faces difficult task of trying to unload captain |last=Cox |first=Damien |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=June 12, 2014 |page=S.1}}</ref> Spezza agreed to be traded to the Dallas Stars and was sent with [[Ludwig Karlsson]] for [[Alex Chiasson]], [[Nick Paul]], Alex Guptill and a [[2015 NHL entry draft|2015]] second-round pick.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators trade Spezza to Dallas, lose their captain |last=Wallace |first=Lisa |newspaper=Daily Gleaner |location=Fredericton, N.B. |date=July 2, 2014 |page=B.1}}</ref>

[[File:Erik Karlsson 1 2017-05-13.jpg|thumb|alt=man with mustache and beard wearing a white ice hockey uniform |[[Erik Karlsson]] was team captain through the [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15]] to [[2017–18 NHL season|2017–18]] seasons.]]
At the beginning of the [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15 season]], Karlsson was named the franchise's ninth captain and the club signed Ryan to a seven-year extension.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senators name Karlsson captain; extend Ryan |last=Wallace |first=Lisa |newspaper=Daily Townsman |location=Cranbrook, B.C. |date=October 3, 2014 |page=A.8}}</ref> Unhappy with an 11–11–5 record after 27 games, the Senators fired head coach Paul MacLean and replaced him with assistant coach [[Dave Cameron (ice hockey)|Dave Cameron]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Stagnant Sens fire MacLean |last=Brennan |first=Don |newspaper=Observer |location=Sarnia, Ont. |date=December 9, 2014 |page=A8}}</ref> The change turned the season around for the Senators, who won 32 of their last 55 games. After both Senators' goalies Anderson and Lehner were injured, the team turned to Binghamton goaltender [[Andrew Hammond (ice hockey)|Andrew Hammond]]. Hammond, aka 'The Hamburglar,' would compile a record of 20–1–2, a goals-against average of 1.79, and a save percentage of .941 to get the team back into playoff position.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/hammoan01.html |title=Andrew Hammond |website=hockey-reference.com |accessdate=April 12, 2022 |archive-date=April 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413031515/https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/hammoan01.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ferner's seen it all before; Junior coach knows how goaltender Andrew Hammond can turn a team's season around |last=Brennan |first=Don |work=The Toronto Sun |date=March 6, 2015 |page=S.7}}</ref> The Senators became the first team in modern NHL history to overcome a 14-point deficit at any juncture of the season to qualify for the playoffs.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/nhl/senators-extra/by-the-numbers-the-match-up-offers-ottawa-some-hope |title=By the Numbers: Matchup with Habs offers Senators some hope |work=Ottawa Citizen |date=April 15, 2015 |access-date=April 17, 2015 |archive-date=April 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417191437/http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/nhl/senators-extra/by-the-numbers-the-match-up-offers-ottawa-some-hope |url-status=dead}}</ref> However, the Senators lost to the Canadiens in six games in the first round of the playoffs.<ref>{{cite news |title='The next step'; Victorious Habs praise Ottawa's resilience, but aren't getting too high on tough series win |last=Baines |first=Tim |newspaper=The Ottawa Sun |date=April 28, 2015 |page=31}}</ref>

During the 2014–15 season, it was announced that Murray had cancer. Taking regular treatment, Murray chose to stay on as general manager through the [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16 season]]. Despite posting the best record of any Canadian team in the league, the Senators failed to make the playoffs in what was considered a disappointing season (all seven Canadian teams missed the playoffs). Murray made one 'blockbuster' nine-player trade that brought Toronto Maple Leafs' captain [[Dion Phaneuf]] to the Senators before the trade deadline.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/dion-phaneuf-trade-1.3440169 |title=Dion Phaneuf traded to Senators in 9-player deal |publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=February 9, 2016 |access-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-date=September 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923150105/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/dion-phaneuf-trade-1.3440169 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Senators were outside of a playoff position at the time of the deal, and played well until the end of the season, but fell just short, placing fifth in the division.<ref>{{cite news |title=Low blows the canadian press; Now that it's all over, let's look back at all the reasons for the Senators' horrible season |last=Brennan |first=Don |newspaper=The Ottawa Sun |date=April 1, 2016 |page=S.28}}</ref>