For many Ottawa Senators hockey fans, the 1996-97 NHL playoff series against the Buffalo Sabres is an unforgettable one. For my younger readers, let me explain one of my strongest memories as a Sens fan. The 7th seed Ottawa Senators took on the 2nd seed Buffalo Sabres in the Eastern Conference Quarter-finals. It was a classic very hard back and fourth series. They were in overtime in game 7, just one goal away from pulling off a major upset against their heavily favoured opponent. Sens star centre Alexei Yashin was taking a face off in the Ottawa zone. When he won it, the puck slipped by an unsuspecting Ron Tugnutt, the Sens number 1 goalie in the playoffs. So the series tragically ends with Alexei Yashin putting the puck in his own net. It’s a memory and a dramatic Sens moment that I will never forget.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Shawn McEachern, the Sens right winger who got two goals in that series. Shawn had an impressive 13-year NHL career. Over that span, he netted 254 goals and got 317 assists for an impressive 571 points. I hope you enjoy my interview with Shawn, a really nice guy who has only fond memories of his time with the Sens.
- Do you have special takeaways from your ‘96-97 season with the Sens since it was such a pivotal season for the franchise?
(Shawn) 1996-97 was my first season in Ottawa. Sports Illustrated had called the Senators the worst franchise in sports! We had a great group of guys on the team, a blue collar group. Jacques Martin, Craig Ramsey and Perry Pearn were really good coaches. We played a team game and got it rolling -- and made the playoffs in the last game of the season! Still one of the most fun seasons I had in the NHL. The city of Ottawa was so excited, the atmosphere for the 1st playoff game was crazy. Just a great time to play for the Sens.
2. What were your thoughts on Palladium/Corel Centre, as it was known back in ‘96, when it was first opened and was a fresh new build?
(Shawn) The building was great! One of the best in the NHL at the time. I really enjoyed living in Kanata and driving a few miles to the rink everyday.
3. What were your feelings about (Coach) Jacques Martin? As he was in my view a driving force in their improvement through ‘96-2001.
(Shawn) Jacques was one of the best coaches I’ve ever played for. He was low key but really knew the game. I use a lot of what I learned from Jacques today with the team that I am coaching. I’m not surprised Pittsburgh has had success with Jacques on their coaching staff. He’s also a good person.
4. Was there anything you struggled with or were frustrated with while playing with the Sens that you’d like to share? Or any significant struggles you had in your hockey career?
(Shawn) I think everyone has struggles in their career. Playing hockey in the NHL is so much fun. But it's also very competitive. Playing in a Canadian market there’s more pressure to perform. I loved that about Ottawa! But when you slump, it’s front page news -- so it can be tough, but that's what we signed up for.
5. Do you have any suggestions for the Sens this season as they seem to be faltering a bit?
(Shawn) I don't follow the Sens that much but I do root for them and especially Brady Tkachuk. His Dad was my line mate at Boston University and Brady played at Boston University so I look to see how he's doing.
6. How did you find your transition from NHL to being a coach at a private school? Were there lessons you learned in the NHL that you pass along to your players today?
(Shawn) I pass along everything I learned from the coaches I played for and players I played with in the NHL. It's been a great transition and a fun way to stay in the game.
