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The Ottawa Senators made their long-awaited return to the NHL playoffs on Sunday night, but their excitement quickly turned into disappointment as they fell 6-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. After an eight-year absence from the postseason, the Senators were eager to prove themselves, but a combination of undisciplined play and lackluster goaltending proved costly in this crucial first game of the best-of-seven series.
Discipline issues plague the Senators
One of the most glaring issues for the Senators was their inability to stay out of the penalty box. Head coach Travis Green emphasized the importance of discipline, stating, “We definitely have to stay out of the box.” The Senators took too many penalties, allowing the Maple Leafs to capitalize on their power-play opportunities.
Toronto scored three goals on six power-play chances, a statistic that ultimately defined the game.
Captain Brady Tkachuk echoed his coach’s sentiments, acknowledging that the team’s penalties were detrimental. “We took too many penalties, they scored on (them) and that’s the game,” he said.
The Senators’ lack of discipline not only cost them goals but also momentum, as they struggled to regain control after each penalty.
Goaltending struggles and missed opportunities
In addition to discipline issues, the Senators faced challenges in net. Goaltender Linus Ullmark allowed four goals on the first ten shots he faced, leaving his teammates frustrated.
The defense failed to provide adequate support, leaving players like Oliver Ekman-Larsson and William Nylander open in the slot for easy scoring chances. Ullmark managed to stop a few tough shots, but the lack of protection from his defense was evident.
Despite the challenges, the Senators did show flashes of potential. Forward Drake Batherson managed to score a goal that briefly silenced the Toronto crowd, bringing the score to 2-1. However, missed opportunities plagued the Senators throughout the game. Tkachuk was denied on a breakaway, and Shane Pinto missed a golden chance in front of the net.
These missed opportunities could have shifted the momentum in Ottawa’s favor.
Looking ahead: A chance for redemption
As the Senators prepare for Game 2, they must address their discipline and goaltending issues if they hope to even the series. The team outshot the Maple Leafs 33-24, showcasing their offensive capabilities. However, they need to convert those chances into goals while maintaining a disciplined approach to avoid giving Toronto additional power-play opportunities.
The Senators will have a chance to bounce back on Tuesday before returning home for Games 3 and 4 at the Canadian Tire Centre. With their playoff hopes on the line, the Senators must regroup and learn from their mistakes to make a competitive series against the Maple Leafs.
