The Senators' run to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs "doesn't guarantee the organization will turn a profit this season," but it is "good for the brand, good for business and could play a factor in increasing season ticket sales next year," according to Bruce Garrioch of the OTTAWA SUN. Senators Owner Eugene Melnyk said, "It does help (financially) in fact. It doesn't make or break the finances of the team but it does help." Garrioch notes the Senators beating the Bruins in the first round "will bring more credibility of the organization -- not only in the city but with the league." With the Canadian dollar "struggling, the Senators are one team that collects revenue sharing from the likes of the bigger markets in the league." Melnyk: "I go to these board of governors meetings, and there are the 'have nots' and the 'haves.' Everybody knows who the 'haves' are and everybody knows who the 'have nots' are. It's kind of sad to be sitting there on the 'have not' side where we get supplemented by the wealthier franchises." Melnyk: "With what's happening at LeBreton and just the ability for us to increase out financial strength, then I think we're going to be in great shape to be right there with the biggest boys which -- by the way -- we're in the top eight right now and we're playing the Rangers. Look who's in that group. Other than one other team, these are all the top revenue teams. Yes, the Leafs and Montreal aren't playing but those are separate franchises. We're right there with these guys. With our budget, our thinking and our people, I'm very pleased with the way we're doing" (OTTAWA SUN, 4/26).
