As the Ottawa Senators prepare to host the Carolina Hurricanes for Game 3 of their playoff series on Thursday, the atmosphere surrounding the team is markedly different from last year’s postseason experience. After suffering two defeats in the opening rounds against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Senators find themselves in a similar position once again, but with a renewed sense of confidence and determination.
A Fresh Mindset
Last April, the Senators entered the playoffs after an eight-year absence, only to face a swift exit following a pair of disappointing losses. Fast forward to this spring, and the Senators are trailing the Hurricanes 2-0, having experienced a 2-0 shutout followed by a heart-wrenching 3-2 double overtime defeat in Raleigh. However, the mood in the locker room reflects a different mindset this time around.
“We feel a lot better than being down 2-0 last year,” remarked winger Drake Batherson following Wednesday’s practice. “We’ve got a lot of confidence. We’re excited to get in front of our fans. We all can’t wait.” This sentiment is echoed by teammate Warren Foegele, who joined the team from the Los Angeles Kings and has a Stanley Cup final appearance under his belt. “This group’s hungry and this group’s confident. We have a wonderful opportunity,” he stated, highlighting the belief the team has in themselves heading into their home turf.
Home Ice Advantage
Ottawa’s head coach, Travis Green, anticipates that the home crowd at the Canadian Tire Centre will provide a significant boost to his players. The overwhelming support witnessed in Carolina during the first two games is something Green believes will energise his team. “You want to have energy in your game. This is an energy-type series,” he noted. He added that while the crowd can serve as a motivational jolt, the players must focus on executing their game plan effectively.
However, the coaching staff faces challenges in their defensive lineup. Top defenceman Artem Zub remains absent, nursing an injury sustained in Game 1, while Tyler Kleven, who is recovering from a facial injury, has returned to practice in a regular jersey. The absence of regular defensive stalwarts has placed a heavier burden on players like Jake Sanderson, who logged over 43 minutes in Game 2, a feat that underlines the team’s resilience.
The Road Ahead
Despite missing some key players, the Senators are resolute. Green has expressed his willingness to rely on his top performers for extended minutes if necessary. “Those guys can skate all day,” Batherson praised, referring to Sanderson and fellow defenceman Thomas Chabot, who also played extensive minutes in the last match. The Senators have a history of overcoming adversity, and with a solid finish to the regular season (8-1-1 at home), they believe they can turn the tide in this series.
Following the chaotic Game 2, which saw the Senators hit multiple posts and endure a penalty shot in overtime, the focus now shifts to managing the emotional fallout. “You’re going to lose games in the playoffs. Probably going to eventually lose another one. You gotta move on,” Green stressed, reinforcing the importance of resilience during this high-stakes period.
Why it Matters
The outcome of Game 3 is pivotal not just for the Senators’ playoff hopes but for the identity of the team itself. A victory at home would not only shift momentum in their favour but could also solidify their confidence as they navigate through the challenges of postseason hockey. For a franchise eager to establish itself as a contender, this game is more than just a battle for survival; it’s an opportunity to redefine their narrative and prove they belong in the upper echelons of the NHL.
