Sens-Leafs Game 5 Preview Roundtable

Can the Sens prolong the series? We’ve gathered the staff to share their feelings:

Now that you’ve had a couple of days to digest Saturday night’s triumph, where are you at on this series? 

Ross: At this point, it's gravy. But if the Sens win another, it'll spark some real hope in me.

Shaan: You always feel better after a win, right? Especially since 3/4 games have gone to OT and the Matthews-era Leafs have a less-than-stellar 1-13 record in games where they can win a series. I didn't have an ounce of hope after Game 4 against the Pens in 2013, but I have plenty in this series.

Trevor: Honestly, I just needed a win like that so badly. I got to celebrate with a bunch of Sens fans out here in Vancouver, and although it was just one game, it felt incredible to finally care about the outcome of a game that much. It's still highly unlikely they come back, but if they take care of business in Toronto, I may start to believe...

Beata: They've sucked me back in. I'm still tempering my expectations, but I think they have a real chance of at least pushing this to 6. I've actually been thinking a lot about that 2015 series against the Habs, when I was so sure they'd pull off the reverse sweep, so that's giving me pause.

Owen: Uncautiously optimistic because why the hell not. I've had eight years of pessimism and now I just want to set myself up for disappointment because I really don't care if I get it wrong anyway.

Nada: I'm just happy they fought back and avoided a sweep. I still have very low expectations only because the odds aren't in their favour but I feel a lot less disappointed than I did a few days ago.

Nkb: I was at the game on Saturday, chanting “Sens in 7” with the thousands of others so you might say I’ve drunk the kool-aid. In my head I know it’s not looking great, but I want to believe very badly.

Who’s been your series MVP for Ottawa so far? Anyone who deserves some shine that might have done unnoticed so far?

Ross: It's hard to pick. The Sens' win was by committee, and everyone with standout great performances has also had some struggles. I'll shout out Amadio, who has been quietly quite good to my eyes while tasked with being on a shutdown line.

Shaan: I don't think there's been a single player who I'd unironically refer to as an MVP – a lot of our most skilled players could definitely be better then they've shown so far. We *are* 1-3 after all. In terms of who's exceeding expectations, Gaudette and Perron have 40% of our 5v5 goals, while Kleven and Matinpalo, a pair of defensemen expected to be a weak link, have been more than serviceable. 

Trevor: That's tough to say, I don't think anyone has been incredible. However, Tim Stützle got his first playoff goal of his career last game and has a whopping 70.45 CF% and 66.6 xGF%, showing that he's capable of controlling the play. Shoutout to Michael Amadio and Tyler Kleven for being great in depth roles as well.

Beata: Yeah, I'm with the other writers on this one. I don't think anyone has been particularly good, and that's a big part of why we're down 3-1. I've liked what I've seen from the depth guys others have mentioned.

Owen: I would say the third line has lived up to our expectations and Shane Pinto in particular has gone about things with a very understated efficiency.

Nada: I really like Grieg but honestly it feels everyone should be doing much better.

nkb: Sanderson and Stützle have been the two best players by a good margin but even both of them have had struggles at times. Adam Gaudette has done some useful stuff to very little public acclaim.

What will be the biggest factor in determining whether the Sens can force a Game 6?

Ross: Scoring early, winning Dzone draws, and limiting powerplays against. Oh, and actually testing Stolarz.

Shaan: Now that we know it's possible for Linus Ullmark to stop pucks in the playoffs, the focus shifts to a familiar area: 5-on-5 scoring. Just 5 goals (including 2 from the 4th line) compared to Toronto's 10 through 4 games. Either of the top two lines need to get going *tonight*. They've been shooting quite a bit, just need to hit the net more often and generate some rebounds.

Trevor: Whether they can limit the number of defensive lapses. The Maple Leafs have been very good at sticking to their game, whereas Ottawa will occasionally make a big mistake that often goes in the back of the net because of how good Toronto's shooters are. Ottawa has to be close to perfect.

Beata: If they can learn to get to the net and actually create good chances.

Owen: Dictate the pace--don't wait for a Toronto mistake because they might not make any early on.

Nada: More shots, better chances and again Ullmark holding the fort for them.

nkb: Limiting the Matthews line. Leafs have gotten a lot of their 5v5 offense from their top trio. If the Sens can keep them off the board, that’s a recipe for success.

Lastly, any predictions for tonight?

Ross: Low shot count for both teams, low goal totals, some chippy play, and hey, why not, another OT game. Let's give those Ontario cardiologists some more work.

Shaan: The Sens won't do what I'm asking of them from an offensive standpoint, but they'll finally return to their norm of successfully holding an early lead with strong defense and goaltending. 2-1 Ottawa in regulation to bring the series back to Ottawa for Game 6.

Trevor: As much as I want to believe, sadly, I think the Leafs win this one in heartbreaking fashion with another 3-2 overtime loss.

Beata: A 2-0 Sens win. They have to learn to win by more than 1 goal eventually, right? Right?

Owen: Brady said, "We're coming back." Who am I to argue that?

Nada: I can’t shake the feeling Ottawa lost some momentum with the longer break between games — the rest day and being back home gives Toronto the advantage in a 3-2 Leafs win

Nkb: Tonight we get elite Ullmark. Leafs will be hungry to finish this off but Swede stands on his head and the Sens win 3-0 despite getting heavily outshot/outchanced