Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk has not given up on the first-round playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs despite his team being 0 for 3. The American NHL player spoke to reporters after the Senators’ latest loss in the playoff series on Thursday, April 24. The Ottawa team lost the game 3-2 in overtime and could be eliminated from the playoffs as early as Saturday, April 26, in the fourth game of the series.
Brady Tkachuk Recalls MLB’s Boston Red Sox’s Comeback in 2004
Tkachuk told reporters that the current situation wasn’t what the team had imagined. The Senators have their backs to the wall, with Saturday’s home ice game becoming a must-win encounter for them to stay alive in the series. The Senators’ captain also alluded to the Boston Red Sox’s historic comeback against the New York Yankees to win the 2004 American League Championship Series, after losing the first three games in the best-of-seven matchup.
“Not too long ago, I watched the Red Sox versus Yankees documentary, when they came back from 0 and 3. So, it’s been done before and I have the belief that it can happen again,” Tkachuk said.
He also said that it was unbelievable playing in a playoff ‘Battle of Ontario’ in front of a home crowd.
Brady Tkachuk: "If we lose we go home, this is where our true character is going to show out." pic.twitter.com/d03VYAeTK4
— Coming In Hot (@ComingInHotSens) April 25, 2025
“It’s probably the coolest atmosphere I’ve ever played in. Honestly, I can’t really describe it because we came out there and I had immediate goosebumps and chills. It really was special, and that’s what makes this city so special is the support. Going to need it again on game four. I know they’re going to bring that energy, bring that passion and we’ll find a way for them,” Tkachuk said.
The Senators slumped to their second straight overtime loss in the series on Thursday. Maple Leafs player Simon Benoit slapped a shot past Senators goalie Linus Ullmark at 1:19 into overtime to seal the win.
“Same thing like we did last game as well (in a 3-2 overtime loss in Game 2 on Tuesday),” Ullmark said via NHL.com. “We’re battling back, we’re doing a lot of good things, a lot of good things, but sometimes it comes down to lady luck. And you know what? With lady luck, you’ve got to earn it. That’s what you’ve got to do, earn it every night. It’s not going to come for free, that’s for sure.”
Brady Tkachuk had scored the Senators’ second goal to tie the game at 2-2 and take it to overtime.