Brady Tkachuk expressed deep sadness after the Ottawa Senators were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, losing 4-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Senators captain lamented the missed opportunity, stating, "It’s devastating. I really believed. It’s a tough pill to swallow right now." This playoff appearance was particularly significant for Tkachuk, who had waited 512 regular-season games to experience postseason action.

The Senators rallied from a 3-0 series deficit to force a Game 6, showcasing their resilience. Tkachuk highlighted his team's character, noting, "We left it all out there," while defenseman Thomas Chabot echoed a similar sentiment. With the losses, including two in overtime, the team is determined to learn from this experience and come back stronger next season. Coach Travis Green expressed pride in the team’s performance, emphasizing the lessons learned from playoff hockey's intensity.