Sens Lose 3-2 in Overtime, Again
Pain.
I don't even know what to say.
Another game where they deserved a better fate but couldn't get it done when it mattered. Just like that, they face a 3-0 series deficit, and will play to avoid a sweep on Saturday. It was another perfectly winnable game that they didn't win. That's just how it goes in the playoffs.
The CTC was absolutely electric for the first home playoff game in 8 years, and the Sens matched that energy. They were by far the better team from the jump, but a lot of the same problems we saw in games 1 and 2 were still present: their shots were coming from too far out, and the few chances they gave up to the Leafs were of very high quality.
The first penalty calls were offsetting minors after a bit of roughing around the net. Stützle got hauled down during the 4 on 4, giving the Sens a 4 on 3 powerplay. They did just about everything right, but couldn’t score, thanks to some well-timed poke checks from the Leafs’ defense.
They finished the period well despite giving up a breakaway to Nylander and taking a penalty with a bit under two minutes left. They went into the first intermission tied, which is an improvement over the last two games, at least.
The Sens started the second period at 4 on 4 thanks to an infraction called on Knies right at the end of the first. As soon as the powerplay started, Nylander tripped Greig, and Claude Giroux calmly put the Sens up by one on the 5 on 3. 1-0 Ottawa.
WAVE THOSE TOWELS!!#GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/5gZdnvqroC
— X - Ottawa Senators (@Senators) April 25, 2025
That was a huge weight off all our shoulders, and true to form the Sens continued to play very well with the lead.
Unfortunately, it couldn’t last. The Leafs got a powerplay, and the penalty kill unit did a really good job at first, with Greig even getting a good shorthanded chance, but a lucky bounce in front of the net ended up behind Ullmark. 1-1.
There was a bit of back-and-forth once the game was tied again, each team getting their chances. Brady Tkachuk got injured and went to the dressing room, but obviously returned to the ice in no time. Something to keep an eye on.
The Leafs came very close to taking the lead right at the end of the period, but Ullmark bailed out the Sens. We were still tied.
We were not tied for long.
A defensive breakdown from the Sens ended up in the back of their net, and just like that it was 2-1 Toronto.
I don’t even know what to say.
They couldn’t get anything going. They didn’t even get a shot on net for the first 11 minutes of the third, and they certainly couldn’t get anywhere near the net.
Naturally, THEY SCORED ON THEIR FIRST SHOT OF THE PERIOD!
Who else but the Captain? 2-2.
BRADY 🗣️ BRADY 🗣️ BRADY 🗣️ BRADY 🗣️ BRADY 🗣️ BRADY 🗣️ BRADY 🗣️#GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/kK04Cv5wCq
— X - Ottawa Senators (@Senators) April 25, 2025
The tying goal re-energized everyone on both teams, and we got a few minutes of very high event hockey as both teams looked for the go-ahead (and probably winning) goal. It wasn’t enough, and we were headed to overtime for the second game in a row.
Overtime barely lasted a minute. 3-2 Toronto.
Game notes:
- I think I blacked out for most of that game so I don't even know how much thoughtful analysis I can provide here but uhhhh Zetterlund was really good.
- Tim Stützle was on his game tonight. A controlled zone entry machine. Drawing penalties all over the place. Had some great scoring chances, too.
- We all know Claude Giroux has lost a step this year, but he was great tonight, with a goal and an assist.
- Brady Tkachuk definitely looked injured to me, but he did get the tying goal, so props for that.
