OTTAWA -- When Bryan Murray woke up on Wednesday morning, his team was officially eliminated from the playoff race in the Eastern Conference.

And the general manager of the Ottawa Senators is trying to come to terms with the fact that his organization is missing the post-season for the first time since 1996.

"At the beginning of the year, we never thought this was the situation we'd be in with six games to go. When it actually happens, it's hard," admitted Murray on Wednesday afternoon in Boston.

Murray says he has not spoken to club owner Eugene Melnyk since the 5-2 loss in Florida on Wednesday that eliminated them from the playoff mix. But he did speak to Melnyk two days ago - and the owner is planning a visit to Ottawa next week.

"He's like the rest of us - disappointed and frustrated," said Murray, when asked to describe Melnyk's mood.

While some will suggest that an end-of-season visit from the owner could mean that Murray's job is in jeopardy, in reality, the club's improved play in recent weeks has probably saved some front office jobs. The Senators are 16-9-3 under new head coach Cory Clouston, whom Murray hired on an interim basis on February 2nd.

Murray said on Wednesday that he plans on addressing Clouston's future at some point next week. And given his optimism, there is little doubt that Clouston will be back next season.

"What if we had Cory for the whole season? We wouldn't be fighting for a playoff spot - we'd be there," suggested Murray.

"I want to be a part of this organization for sure, but nothing has changed from when I first took over," added Clouston, when he was asked about his future following a one-hour practice at Boston University.

So if the owner appears content with the general manager and the GM is satisified with the coach, the obvious question becomes: What about the players?

Murray says he will address the players next week about their disappointing season. And he specifically plans to target some his his highest paid players - like Jason Spezza, Dany Heatley and Mike Fisher - even though he didn't name them publicly.

"Your best players - that take a fair number of your dollars - if they don't perform on an everynight basis, then you're left wanting," explained Murray. "One of the things I'll address is the inconsistency from some of our players."

"We all could have played better. It's not just key players," replied Spezza.

Murray said that he does not plan on making major changes this summer, but he would be interested in obtaining another top-six forward. He said that he hasn't had any serious negotiations with pending unrestricted free agents Chris Neil and Mike Comrie.

Murray also said he would like to improve the blueline and 2008 1st round pick Erik Karlsson could be in the plans for next season. But the general manager warned that the young Swedish defenseman should not be viewed as a saviour by the fanbase.

"He does want to come to North America. He's a talented kid - but he's just a kid," said Murray. "If he can play and help us, we'll find a way. He'll be part of the solution, but he won't be the main solution to our problems.