Ottawa Senators faced a tough challenge against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 2 of the playoff series, reminiscent of their struggles in Game 1. After a shaky start, the Senators rallied to force overtime, ultimately falling 3-2 as Max Domi scored the decisive goal for Toronto, giving them a 2-0 series lead. Despite the loss, Senators coach Travis Green praised his team's efforts, indicating a positive step forward. The Senators showed considerable grit, outshooting Toronto 28-21 and landing 44 hits to Toronto's 25, although they struggled with blocked shots (32-6 against).

As they head back to Ottawa, the Senators aim to capitalize on home-ice advantage, albeit with a daunting historical statistic: teams that lose the first two games in a best-of-seven series rarely make a comeback. Ottawa has never won a series after dropping the first two games. With Game 3 set for Thursday, the Senators will need to harness their energy and improve to challenge the formidable Maple Leafs.

The Ottawa Senators are gearing up for their first playoff appearance in eight years, set to face their provincial rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs. With a perfect 3-0 record against Toronto this season, the anticipation is palpable among players and fans alike. Head coach Travis Green, who once faced the Leafs in a playoff series as a player, expresses excitement over the intense rivalry. Players like Drake Batherson and Brady Tkachuk are eager to embrace the playoff atmosphere. Despite Tkachuk's recent injury, Green is optimistic about the team's readiness as they focus on ending the regular season on a high note against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Ottawa Senators are gearing up for their first playoff appearance in eight years, facing off against the Toronto Maple Leafs, a matchup that evokes memories of fierce historical battles. With a perfect 3-0-0 record against Toronto this season, the Senators are optimistic as they enter the postseason. Head coach Travis Green, a former Leaf, expresses excitement for the intensity and fanfare the rivalry brings. Key players, including captain Brady Tkachuk, are crucial to watch; however, Tkachuk's availability remains uncertain due to an upper-body injury. The team aims to carry positive momentum into the playoffs, and players like Tim Stutzle emphasize the importance of winning the final game to feel confident heading into the series.

In a thrilling overtime matchup, Alex Ovechkin delivered a decisive goal for the Washington Capitals, leading them to a 1-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators. The game remained scoreless until Ovechkin found the net, marking his 874th career goal and achieving a new NHL record for the most goalies scored upon, netting his 179th victim, Leevi Merilainen. This occurred during a two-on-one breakaway, where Ovechkin strategically chose to shoot rather than pass, securing the win for his team.

The Senators, despite the loss, showcased resilience against the NHL-leading Capitals, with Merilainen putting forth an impressive performance, accumulating 26 saves, including a critical stop on Tom Wilson during overtime. Ottawa's defense held strong, and although they struggled on power plays, they maintained a solid game throughout.

Capitals' goalie Logan Thompson contributed significantly with a 24-save shutout, helping preserve the scoreless tie until Ovechkin's winner. Senators coach Travis Green acknowledged the game's intensity, emphasizing the importance of assessing their performance positively, despite the setback. Furthermore, Ottawa rookie Donovan Sebrango made his NHL debut, expressing excitement about playing alongside his childhood idol, Ovechkin, highlighting the game's memorable nature for him.

Alex Ovechkin showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting the decisive overtime goal in the Washington Capitals' 1-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators. The game remained scoreless for 60 minutes until Ovechkin capitalized on a two-on-one with Rasmus Sandin, scoring his 874th career goal, bringing him closer to Wayne Gretzky's record.

Ovechkin's goal also marked a milestone as he set a new NHL record for the most different goalies scored on, with Ottawa's Leevi Merilainen being number 179. The Senators, despite the loss, displayed confidence and determination against the league-leading Capitals.