Well they made it. Not that they deserved it. The Ottawa Senators backed into the playoffs Friday night thanks to the Panthers who defeated the Hurricanes 4-3.

With their loss to the Bruins Friday, the Sens have recorded only five out of a possible 16 points over their last eight games. The team's record over its last 20 games is 7-11-2.

To top things off, captain Daniel Alfredsson and inspirational forward Mike Fisher were both significantly injured in Thursday's 8-2 drubbing of Toronto.

Last year Ottawa seemed on the verge of becoming Stanley Cup champions. They might have won the cup last season had they been better equipped to handle the Ducks' physical wingers.

It now seems that the window for ultimate success has closed. Where has that talented Senators team gone?

I don't know. But it is clear it has left the building.