Only they know how much pressure they felt.
Today, we get the sense both men are able to relax a bit more now, smiles come more easily, though neither will relax to the point of easing up on the gas pedal. It’s too early for that — but not too early to recognize the contributions of Senators general manager Pierre Dorion and head coach Guy Boucher.
Both have been on the job since last spring. Both faced enormous challenges.
Dorion —who had been AGM for years, so at least knew the hockey operations side — nevertheless was stepping up to replace a legend in Bryan Murray.