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OTTAWA – The Ottawa Senators find themselves facing a significant challenge in their playoff run, as they prepare for a critical Game 4 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. With a series deficit of 3-0, the Senators are in a must-win situation to keep their postseason hopes alive.
In their last outing, the Senators narrowly lost 3-2 in overtime, despite a commendable performance. Team captain Brady Tkachuk, who played a pivotal role by scoring the game-tying goal in the third period, remains optimistic. Drawing motivation from historical comebacks, Tkachuk referenced the Boston Red Sox’s incredible turnaround in 2004, suggesting that a similar revival is possible for his team.
“This isn’t the scenario we envisioned, but it presents us with the toughest challenge yet,” Tkachuk remarked. “It has been done before, and I truly believe we can replicate that success.”
Despite the pressure, there is a sense of comfort among the Senators, who have demonstrated resilience and strong performances throughout the season. Tkachuk emphasized the importance of their current situation, stating, “With our backs against the wall, our true character will emerge. Believing that you’re never out of the game or the series is vital.”
Looking ahead to the crucial game on Saturday, Tkachuk noted, “We are going to give everything we have. There’s nothing left to hold back.” Coach Travis Green echoed this sentiment, asserting that he doesn’t believe significant changes are necessary for the team to improve its fortunes in the series. “Sometimes it’s just minor adjustments,” he said. “We’ve been playing well against a skilled opponent.”
Green acknowledged that luck has played a role in the series, with the Leafs benefiting from a few fortunate bounces. Nonetheless, he insisted that the focus should be on the upcoming game rather than the series as a whole. “Whether you’re ahead or behind, the next game is crucial,” he stated. “We shouldn’t dwell on winning four in a row—let’s take it one game at a time.”
Goaltender Linus Ullmark shared his teammates’ belief in their ability to compete fiercely against the Leafs, saying, “From the beginning, we anticipated a lengthy and competitive series. We’re determined to fight for a chance to extend it to seven games.”
The Senators recognize the depth of the challenge before them, but they remain committed to giving their all in the pursuit of a comeback. As they prepare for Game 4, the stakes are high, and the hope for a turnaround is palpable.
Source
globalnews.ca