The first game of the first “Battle of Ontario” since the exciting series that went the distance in 2004 did not go according to plan for the Ottawa Senators.
When it was all said and done, the Maple Leafs completely reversed the script from the regular season, which saw the Senators win all three matchups; they won in convincing fashion, a 6-2 final score to grab the early 1-0 series lead.
Senators Fans Were Left Frustrated After the Game 1 Loss
Senators fans can be excused for feeling frustrated after the Game 1 loss to the Maple Leafs, especially considering how their regular-season matchups turned out, as they all went Ottawa’s way.
This fan kept it short and simple, declaring, “That was absolutely EMBARRASSING!”
That was absolutely EMBARRASSING!
— Greg Doxtater (@DoxtaterGreg)
Yet another fan acknowledged the harsh reality of playoff hockey, saying, “really might be a sweep if this team doesnt remember its the playoffs.”
One Senators fan noted the length of time since Ottawa’s last playoff appearance only to have that kind of outing, saying, “I’d be 6-2 my stomach if I waited 8 years to see my team put up that kind of effort.”
“Embarrassing to call this the battle of Ontario anymore,” said another fan on X.
Embarrassing to call this the battle of Ontario anymore
— ANTifreeze (@ANTifreezeyo)
Another frustrated fan offered some free advice to coach Travis Green, saying, “Do the sens know they can use their sticks for things other than crosschecking? Green might wanna get on that.”
This fan wasn’t satisfied with Ottawa’s effort, saying, “Sens acted like they’re were happy to be in the playoffs … Toronto showed up to win … pretty disappointing.”
However, one Senators fans opted to stay optimistic, saying, “Heres how I see it. It was 6-2 yes, we got spanked. BUT 80 + percent of the team had its first ever playoff experience and we still outshot them. Toronto knows they’re at home playing against an inexperienced playoff team. One game that’s all it is. We need to stay disciplined.”
Heres how I see it. It was 6-2 yes, we got spanked. BUT 80 + percent of the team had its first ever playoff experience and we still outshot them. Toronto knows they're at home playing against an inexperienced playoff team. One game that's all it is. We need to stay disciplined.
— x – Let's Go Sens! (@_remember_me_85)
Senators’ Travis Green Supported Linus Ullmark Despite Subpar Outing
Despite allowing six goals as part of the loss, Linus Ullmark had a key defender in head coach Travis Green.
“I like our goaltending,” he said. “I like our goalie a lot. He’s won a Vezina. Pretty good.”
Linus Ullmark gave up 6 on 24 shots, but Travis Green had his back postgame.
“I like our goaltending. I like our goalie a lot. He’s won a Vezina. Pretty good.”
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox)
Meanwhile, Green had a subtle jab toward the Leafs and accused them of doing a good job in selling calls to the on-ice officials.
“I thought there were a couple calls they did a good job selling,” he said.
The Maple Leafs and Senators will get back at it in Game 2 of their series on Tuesday night.
