Senators Notebook: Ottawa right where it wants to be with all eyes on Toronto

Suddenly, all the pressure in the Battle of Ontario has shifted to the Maple Leafs for Game 6. That’s exactly how the Senators want it.

May 1, 2025 - 22:00

Senators Notebook: Ottawa right where it wants to be with all eyes on Toronto

OTTAWA — Pressure is a funny thing.

You know when you have it, and when you don’t.

And for the first time in this Battle of Ontario playoff series, heading into Game 6, everyone knows where the pressure arrow is pointing — squarely on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

That’s exactly what the Ottawa Senators want.

“I don’t think there’s really any pressure,” Senators captain Brady Tkachuk said of his squad.

if (!res.ok) { throw new Error('Failed to fetch odds data'); }

const data = await res.json(); const oddsData = data?.data?.game?.details?.current_line; const visitingTeam = data?.data?.game?.visiting_team; const visitingTeamLogo = data?.data?.game?.visiting_team?.image_url_90; const homeTeam = data?.data?.game?.home_team; const homeTeamLogo = data?.data?.game?.home_team?.image_url_90; const gameTimestamp = data?.data?.game?.details?.timestamp;

return { oddsData, visitingTeam, visitingTeamLogo, homeTeam, homeTeamLogo, gameTimestamp }; }

async function renderBetMGM(componentId, league, gameId) { let oddsData, visitingTeam, visitingTeamLogo, homeTeam, homeTeamLogo, gameTimestamp, error;

const container = document.getElementById(componentId + '-odds'); if (!container) return;

try { ({ oddsData, visitingTeam, visitingTeamLogo, homeTeam, homeTeamLogo, gameTimestamp } = await fetchOddsData(league, gameId)); } catch (err) { error = err.message; }

if (error) { container.innerHTML = `

Error: ${error}

`; return; }

if (!oddsData) { container.innerHTML = `

Odds data not available

`; return; }

let gameDate = new Date(gameTimestamp * 1000); const gameDateFormatted = gameDate.toLocaleDateString('en-US', { year: 'numeric', month: 'long', day: 'numeric' });

container.innerHTML = `

${gameDateFormatted}

$${visitingTeam.short_name} Logo$

$${homeTeam.short_name} Logo$

Moneyline

${visitingTeam.short_name}

${oddsData.away_money > 0 ? `+${oddsData.away_money}` : oddsData.away_money}

${homeTeam.short_name}

${oddsData.home_money > 0 ? `+${oddsData.home_money}` : oddsData.home_money}

Spread

${oddsData.fav_id === visitingTeam.id ? oddsData.fav_points : oddsData.fav_points > 0 ? `-${oddsData.fav_points}` : `+${Math.abs(oddsData.fav_points)}`}

${oddsData.fav_id === visitingTeam.id ? oddsData.fav_money > 0 ? `+${oddsData.fav_money}` : oddsData.fav_money : oddsData.underdog_money > 0 ? `+${oddsData.underdog_money}` : oddsData.underdog_money}

${oddsData.fav_id === homeTeam.id ? oddsData.fav_points : oddsData.fav_points > 0 ? `-${oddsData.fav_points}` : `+${Math.abs(oddsData.fav_points)}`}

${oddsData.fav_id === homeTeam.id ? oddsData.fav_money > 0 ? `+${oddsData.fav_money}` : oddsData.fav_money : oddsData.underdog_money > 0 ? `+${oddsData.underdog_money}` : oddsData.underdog_money}

Over/Under

O ${oddsData.total}

${oddsData.over_money > 0 ? `+${oddsData.over_money}` : oddsData.over_money}

U ${oddsData.total}

${oddsData.under_money > 0 ? `+${oddsData.under_money}` : oddsData.under_money}

${gameDateFormatted}

$${visitingTeam.short_name} Logo$

$${homeTeam.short_name} Logo$

`; }

// Example usage renderBetMGM('block_dd1f307465855ba057220eca49381876', 'NHL', '44223251-abd4-4c01-87a9-6524dc76ec48');

Before the post-season matchup between the rivals began, Ottawa’s chances of winning the series relied on forcing Toronto to either bend or break.

Now, the Maple Leafs have bent as their series lead was cut from 3-0 to 3-2.

We could cite every statistic that torments Maple Leafs fans about their team’s inability to win the big one, but we won’t. That’s cruel.

Likely, though, their players are feeling the pressure.

“I don’t know. I’m not in their locker room,” Tkachuk said.

He knows.

For the Senators, it’s “win or go home,” as Tkachuk said before Game 6. But the Maple Leafs may also be treating it as such. Because if we get to a Game 7 in Toronto, well, we’ve seen that before. And a Game 7 in these circumstances would make it even harder to fathom Toronto ultimately winning the series — though we must not forget that the Florida Panthers recovered from blowing a 3-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Final only to win Game 7 just last year.

Unlike Toronto, Ottawa will be playing with house money. As the less experienced team, Ottawa weirdly may gain the upper hand the longer the series goes.

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6372173534112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6372173534112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6372173534112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc");

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP");

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-489465" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6372173534112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/6372173534112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/why-green-believes-senators-have-another-level-to-reach-vs-maple-leafs/" }); });

The Senators’ lack of playoff demons makes them giddy, not skittish like their Maple Leafs counterparts, who have passed the infinity stage of playoff nightmares.

“You always talk about pressure in the playoffs,” said Senators head coach Travis Green. “And I think certain players like pressure, and don’t really look at it like pressure. I think our team’s enjoying themselves.”

There has been a conscious effort from Green, his players and the organization to remind everyone they are the underdogs to ensure the focus is on Toronto, and not on Ottawa.

Still, at the end of the day, Toronto’s top players in Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander should be in a pole position to end Ottawa’s season.

Maybe they will in Game 6. The Maple Leafs most definitely have the talent to win the series — but can they with the eyes of the hockey world squarely on them?

“I get it, that’s all I hear around here is ‘core, core, core.’ The Core Four,” said Toronto head coach Craig Berube. “But it’s on everybody in the team. We’re a team and it’s on the whole team, not just four guys.”

Despite Berube saying the right things, the core question of the series now is whether Toronto thrives under the pressure.

And that’s not a question we are asking of the Senators.

Ottawa is exactly where it wants to be.

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6372093041112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6372093041112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6372093041112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc");

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP");

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-891042" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6372093041112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6372093041112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nhl-game-5-highlights-senators-4-maple-leafs-0/" }); });

Gaudette’s impact

It was a long and winding road for Adam Gaudette to get to the point where he was setting up a vital short-handed goal in Game 5 of the Battle of Ontario.

The smiley and upbeat Gaudette wasn’t even in the NHL last season, instead dominating the American Hockey League while leading the league in goals.

Gaudette originally came into the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks as a touted prospect expected to be a highly skilled top nine player, but it didn’t work out. Gaudette needed to adjust his play to become a full-time NHLer.

“I just wanted to be useful, and be more valuable to the team to help out any way I can,” he said.

Green, Gaudette’s old coach in Vancouver, brought him to Ottawa this season. Gaudette had a reasonably good training camp, but was waived to begin the season. But after going unclaimed, he embraced his second chance in Ottawa and wound up producing 19 goals while playing mostly on the fourth line and chipping in on the penalty kill.

“He’s had a fantastic season. I think maturity is a big part of why he’s in the NHL again,” said Green. “And players, when they first come into (the league) compared to Years 4-6, it’s a big difference. I think he’s just really learned the game itself, the important areas of the game, and he’s applying it.”

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6372091277112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6372091277112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6372091277112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc");

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP");

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-866565" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6372091277112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6372091277112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/senators-cozen-sprints-in-for-big-time-shorthanded-goal/" }); });

In the post-season, Gaudette scored a crucial tying goal in Game 2 and embraced his role as penalty killer to make a wonderful short-handed steal to set up Dylan Cozens for the 2-0 goal in Game 5.

“I’ve been trying to get on the penalty kill for years now,” said Gaudette. “And I’ve always gone to the penalty kill meetings and studied the penalty kill just to be ready, and finally got my chance this year. And it’s been awesome to be able to be relied upon in a role like that.”

Gaudette is tied for fourth on the Senators with three playoff points. The Senators have a 60 per cent expected goals share at five-on-five when Gaudette is on the ice in the playoffs, placing him fourth on the team.

He has almost assuredly earned himself another NHL contract this off-season — whether it’s in Ottawa or elsewhere.

There is only one thing that could make this season sweeter for Gaudette. Gaudette, a huge Red Sox fan, wants to repeat their legendary 2004 reverse sweep of their rival New York Yankees.

“I was actually talking to my dad the other day. I was like, just like when the Red Sox beat the Yankees,” said Gaudette.

Greig staying on the edge

Throughout this Battle of Ontario, Ridly Greig has lingered near the centre of attention. Greig, who was born to be a pest — as shown by his empty-net slapshot against Toronto last season — has continued his agitating play in his first playoff experience. Just ask Anthony Stolarz.

Nevertheless, Greig took a very ill-advised penalty against Mitch Marner late in the third period of Game 5. He acknowledged the difference between physicality and undisciplined play.

“There’s definitely a fine line,” said Greig. “Obviously, I play a little bit on the edge. I think now going into Game 6 and 7, I think guys are definitely flagged for penalties, so I definitely got to be careful here.”

Interestingly, Greig said he believes the NHL is very much zeroed in on whether he crosses that line.

“I wouldn’t say I’m targeted, but I think guys (are) flagging me for sure,” said Greig. “(I need to be) extra cautious with my stick and whenever I’m on the ice in a certain place.”

Ottawa cannot afford for Greig to take any dumb penalties the rest of the way.

/* if ( "1" == true && 'undefined' !== typeof window.getIndexAds ) { var so = {preroll:{1:{1:{siteID:191888},2:{siteID:191889}}}}; adServerUrl = window.getIndexAds( 'http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6372173253112&cmsid=384', so, permalink); } else { adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6372173253112&cmsid=384"; } */ adServerUrl = "http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/ads?sz=640x360&cust_params=domain%3Dsportsnet.ca&iu=%2F7326%2Fen.sportsnet.web%2FVideo&ciu_szs=300x250&impl=s&gdfp_req=1&env=vp&output=vast&unviewed_position_start=1&ad_rule=1&vid=6372173253112&cmsid=384"; var adServerUrl_result = adServerUrl.includes("cust_params"); var queryString=''; if(adServerUrl_result){ var gettheDUFI = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) gettheDUFI = localStorage.getItem("theRED_loc");

if(gettheDUFI){ queryString += "dufiid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; queryString += "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; var ppid = "ppid=" + gettheDUFI + '&'; }

var DUFI_IP = false; if (localStorage.getItem("consent") !== null && localStorage.getItem("consent-targeting") !== null) DUFI_IP = sessionStorage.getItem("DUFI_IP");

if(DUFI_IP){ queryString += "dufiip=" + DUFI_IP + '&'; }

adServerUrl = adServerUrl.replace(/cust_params=/, ppid + 'cust_params=' + encodeURIComponent(queryString) ); }

$el.after( unescape("%3Cscript src=\"" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\" %3E%3C/script%3E") );

$( document ).one( 'ready', function() { $( "#video_container-754526" ).SNPlayer( { bc_account_id: "1704050871", bc_player_id: "JCdte3tMv", //autoplay: true, //is_has_autoplay_switch: false, bc_videos: 6372173253112, is_has_continuous_play: "false", adserverurl: adServerUrl, section: "", thumbnail: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/6372173253112-1024x576.jpg", direct_url: "https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/senators-greig-set-to-walk-fine-line-between-aggression-and-discipline/" }); });

Playoff fever

When Mayor Mark Sutcliffe issues a formal sick note for Senators fans to get out of any meetings or events on Thursday to support the team, that’s how you know the city is buzzing.

Meanwhile, Tkachuk also knows how to shift his approval rating among Senators fans from 100 to 110 per cent.

“This is not just about our team, it’s about our city,” he said.

Expect Game 6 to be rocking with Senators fans at the Canadian Tire Centre.

Projected lineup

Tkachuk-Stutzle-Giroux
Perron-Cozens-Batherson
Greig-Pinto-Amadio
Cousins-Gaudette-Zetterlund

Sanderson-Zub
Chabot-Jensen
Kleven-Matinpalo

Ullmark starts