After not making the playoffs since 2017, the Ottawa Senators finally returned to the dance in 2025. However, the start of the Senators' quest to win the 2025 Stanley Cup began rough.
The Senators 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs with losing the first three games of the series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Senators appeared to be down-and-out after losing back-to-back games in overtime in Game 2 and Game 3.
Even when trailing 0-3 in the series, Brady Tkachuk remained positive with mentioning the Boston Red Sox completing the reverse sweep in 2004. After Game 4, Tkachuk made a bold prediction that he delivered on.
Sens force Game 6 back home after Tkachuk boldly predicted the team would
Game 4's overtime win marked the first time the Senators won a playoff game since May 23, 2017. Tkachuk was full of emotion and excitement. For those who have trouble reading lips, Tkachuk can be seen saying "we're coming back here" and pointing to the Canadian Tire Centre ice after the win.
THE CAPTAIN IS LOVING IT pic.twitter.com/D120Z9kZ6H
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 27, 2025
That indicated that Tkachuk was anticipating the Senators winning Game 5 in Toronto to force a Game 6 back in Ottawa. Now, Tkachuk was right with the Senators winning Game 5 to set up a Game 6 in Ottawa
In Game 5, the Senators shutout the Maple Leafs 4-0 to bring the series back to Ottawa. Tkachuk delivered big in Game 5 to bring the series back to Ottawa.
Tkachuk recorded a three-point game to help him record the first multi-point playoff game of his career. In his first career playoff series, Tkachuk has delivered big against the Maple Leafs.
Tkachuk leads the Senators with six points and three goals in the 2025 playoffs. Following the Game 5 win, Tkachuk expects the Game 6 atmosphere to be "pure insanity."
Once again, the Senators will be relying on their captain to force yet another game in the series back in Toronto. If the Senators win Game 6 tomorrow, the series will need a seventh game. If the Senators lose Game 6, their season will be over.