sentences:  Bridgman did not have previous experience as an NHL general manager and he was criticized for mistakes at the initial expansion draft of the Senators and the play of the team in its first season.Bridgman was fired by new owner Rod Bryden who had assumed majority ownership in the club after the founders were not able to raise enough financing to launch the team and pay its NHL franchise fees.Sexton took over and managed the hockey club until December 11, 1995, when he was fired after a period of two seasons missing the playoffs and controversial coaching firings, player holdouts and concerns over attendance prior to the opening of the new Palladium arena.