For the first time since May 23, 2017, playoff hockey return to Canada's capital in Ottawa on Thursday night. Despite a loud atmosphere, the Ottawa Senators suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 3.
Now, the Senators have their backs against the wall trailing 0-3 in a series in the opening round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The team must make history in order to advance to round two.
Sens-Leafs get ready for Game 4
The Senators host the Maple Leafs at Canadian Tire Centre for Game 4 of the first round with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
Game 3 on Thursday night saw a thrilling end, but a heartbreaking end. Brady Tkachuk tied Game 3 at two with under nine minutes remaining in regulation.
With momentum on Ottawa's side with Tkachuk tying the game late, overtime would be needed. However, Simon Benoit scored just 1:19 into overtime for the Maple Leafs.
Even with trailing 0-3, it didn't stop Tkachuk from having a positive mindset. After the Game 3 loss, Tkachuk mentioned the 2004 Boston Red Sox when they completed the 0-3 series comeback in the 2004 ALCS against the New York Yankees, which then led to a World Series title.
"It's been done before," Tkachuk said after the Game 3 loss.
Now, Tkachuk and the Senators must make their own history and do the same thing against the hated Maple Leafs. The Senators have been swept in the playoffs three times. If the Senators lose tonight, their season will be finished.