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I think Murray contributed to Anaheim's success, but I wouldn't say he's 100% responsible.
And I seem to recall some bad moves by Muckler, too. Anyone remember how well that Bondra trade worked out? Or signing Hasek (I think even Buffalo fans might have a thing or two to say about Hasek)? Tyler Arneson ring any bells? How about Oleg Saprykin?
I wouldn't say he "built" Ottawa into a contender, since Muckler's trades were, possibly, 50-50. He brought Heatley to Ottawa, who did well in last year's playoffs. He also dealt away often-injured Havlat, and dealt away malcontent Kaigorodov. At best, Muckler kinda made the status quo, since most of Ottawa's "key" guys have been in place for awhile (excluding prospects): Spezza, Alfredsson, Fisher, Kelly, Phillips, Volchenkov, etc.
Anyways, Murray's coaching helped Ottawa to the Cup Final last year, so I don't see how he's necessarily a bad influence. I mean, it's not like the Sens missed the playoffs.
Considering Anaheim just got bounced out, too, I think it just shows (again) that your success in one year has no relevance to how well you'll do the following.
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