After a long hard battle with cancer, Bryan Murray has passed away. The Ottawa Senators confirmed the passing of their former coach and general manager this afternoon. Murray had been battling with colon cancer for the past two and a half years.
Bryan Murray’s Legacy in the NHL
Not only was Bryan Murray recognized for his work by Sens fans, he was known for his work league wide. Murray started his NHL coaching career with the Washington Capitals in 1981. He won the Jack Adam’s Trophy while coaching them in 1983-84. He would coach the Capitals for nine years before becoming a head coach of the Detroit Red Wings in 1990. Murray also worked for the Florida Panthers, and the Anaheim Ducks.
News Release: Former Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray passes away at age 74: https://t.co/LeNZVcTaYw
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) August 12, 2017
Bryan Murray’s Work Behind the Sens bench
Bryan Murray took on the bench boss role of the Ottawa Senators in 2004. In Murray’s four years behind the Senators bench, he led the franchise to four consecutive playoff berths. It’s worth mentioning that Murray’s fourth season as Sens Head Coach was when he replaced John Paddock as the clubs coach in the 2007-08 NHL season. In his second year as Sens coach in 2005-06, the Senators finished the season with a 52-21-9 record. Although the Senators had the superstar power of Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza on their roster that year with all three finishing with more than 90 points, Murray’s coaching abilities still played a huge factor on their spectacular season. Ottawa would unfortunately go on to lose to the Buffalo Sabres that year in the second round in five games.
Murray led the Ottawa Senators to a Stanley Cup Final appearance the year after in 2006-07. The Senators instead this time would end up beating the Buffalo Sabres in five games to secure their spot in the Cup Final. Unfortunately Murray and the Senators would fall to the Anaheim Ducks in five games and were unable to win Lord’s Stanley after a dominating playoff run.
Bryan Murray’s success and hard work will never be forgotten
With all of Murray’s hard work and success he brought to the Senators organization as coach and general manager, the city of Ottawa, Sens fans and management will never forget Bryan’s achievements. Let our thoughts be with his family today through this rough time.
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