<P> After the playoff loss, owner Melnyk promised that changes were coming and they came quickly . In June 2004, Anaheim Ducks GM Bryan Murray of nearby Shawville, became head coach . That summer, the team also made substantial personnel changes, trading long - time players Patrick Lalime and Radek Bonk, and signing free agent goaltender Dominik Hasek . 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 season, the team traded long - time player Marian Hossa for Dany Heatley . </P> <P> The media predicted the Senators to be Stanley Cup contenders in 2005--06, as they had a strong core of players returning, played in an up - tempo style fitting the new rule changes and Hasek was expected to provide top - notch goaltending . 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 of Alfredsson, Spezza and newly acquired Dany Heatley established itself as one of the league's top offensive lines . Hasek played well until he was injured during the 2006 Winter Olympics, forcing the team to enter the playoffs with rookie netminder Ray Emery as their starter . Without Hasek, the club bowed out in a second round loss to the Buffalo Sabres . </P> <P> In 2006--07, the Senators reached the 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 straight 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 Buffalo Sabres to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals . </P> <Dl> <Dt> First Stanley Cup finals in the capital in 80 years </Dt> </Dl>

When was the last time ottawa made the finals