Sens-Leafs Game 6 Roundtable

Can the Sens prolong the series again?

I've asked a version of this question before every game so far, and this time will be no exception: how are you feeling? Where's your head at? 

Nada: I'm at peace with how far they've come and trying to enjoy each game as it comes without thinking too far ahead. Doesn't take away from the game day nerves though.

Ross: My head is swelling. I feel like I can run through a brick wall. I wouldn't say a Sens win is guaranteed, but I am expecting it.

Beata: After game 5, I believe in this team. They looked so much better in that game, and Toronto looked so lifeless.

Shaan: I'm in a state of zen right now. Confident in the team. Satisfied with the emotional damage done to the Leafs' fanbase. While also being able to acknowledge that if the season ends today, it's only the beginning of the Andlauer era. The only way is up.

Owen: I feel immensely proud of this team. I don't know how any longtime fan could feel otherwise. The Sens have already exceeded expectations and now we all just get to enjoy the show.

Trevor: Despite being down 3-2, this is easily the best I've felt about the series since it started, and I'm sure others feel the same. They have gained more confidence as the series has gone along, and the pressure is all of a sudden on the "1-13 Maple Leafs." Even if they lose either game, it'll be disappointing, but I'll be so happy they at least made it a series.

BT: Pretty relaxed. If they lose tonight I'll be disappointed of course, but I won't be sour about it. Not sure how long I'll keep feeling relaxed once the puck drops, though.

Let's cut to the chase: is this comeback possible? What needs to happen for the Sens to complete this historical reversal? 

Nada: I mean anything in hockey is possible but this is a young team after all with a huge challenge ahead against a team who has been here before and will be desperate not to be embarrassed again. I still don't think the full comeback is possible but I'm ok with that.

Ross: They need Ullmark to keeping being fullmarks in net. They need to continue to frustrate the Leafs' shooters and powerplay. The Sens have settled into a system where they don't take a tonne of shots, but they don't give up possession easily and they limit Toronto to under 30 shots per game too. I think that. This Leafs team is mentally fragile. Don't give them a chance to build confidence.

Beata: Yes, it's absolutely possible, and game 5 showed us how that can happen. They need to keep getting to the net, Ullmark needs to be on his game, and they can sit back and watch the Leafs defeat themselves. 

Shaan: A reverse sweep is incredibly unlikely in a nutshell, but being down 3-2 and winning the series is very doable. Essentially, by doing what they've done all year – provided they can score first. Hold the lead, with 18 skaters and 1 goalie locking in.

Owen: It's absolutely possible, just statistically unlikely. Ullmark alone can make it happen if he keeps playing at his current pace. Other than that, Ottawa will have to continue playing relentless defence with an emphasis on patience and discipline. 

Trevor: It's absolutely possible. They have played very well at home this season, so I like their chances in Game 6 at least, then anything can happen in Game 7. They need Linus Ullmark to play as well as he has the last two games, plus the defense needs to continue their great stick play like they did on Tuesday. It will take skill, hard work, and lots of luck, but the Senators can do the damn thing.

BT: Absolutely. Ideally the Sens find another gear to seal the deal, but if they keep doing what they're doing they've got a real (but uncomfortably tight) chance to pull it off. Specifically, I'd like to see them avoid the penalty box, and continue to take more of the centre of the ice. That is something they have been getting better at through the series, but there is still lots of room for improvement.

The Sens' PK has gone from liability to strength in the last three games. What's changed? 

Nada: The defense overall has improved so it's translated into better PK but they're also more confident with taking risks now and it's done well for them. Can't forget Ullmark's role here as well.

Ross: Some is just luck; no powerplay is 55%, so it'll have some 0% games to compensate. But also, you scout a powerplay better the longer you spend against it. That Gaudette read last game that led to the game-sealing shortie felt like an example of anticipating where the Leafs were going to put the puck. 

Beata: I would like to point out that I absolutely called this. What changed is that the Sens learned to anticipate the Leafs' set plays and intercept them. You can see on the Cozens goal especially that Gaudette knows what pass the Leafs are about to make before it happens.

Shaan: The Leafs are playing in elimination games. Auston Matthews is a lot more dangerous in non-elimination games. It might be that simple.

Owen: I think first and foremost the young Sens got over those early jitters and everyone has settled down. Other than that I think it just comes from familiarity and making adjustments on the fly.

Trevor: Some of that is Ullmark, and a lot of it is their ability to settle down even if they lose the first draw. They struggle when it gets frantic in the beginning, but they've controlled their nerves. The Leafs have also struggled to limit their mistakes, leading to two shorthanded goals.

BT: They've gotten better at stopping those set plays off the faceoffs, I think. And Ullmark has gotten steadier. There are definitely points where he is bailing the PK out in the past few games.

Lastly, what's your prediction for tonight? 

Nada: An intense and desperate game from both teams but an unfortunate 4-2 Leafs win.

Ross: I said I'm expecting a Sens win. I doubt another shutout, but imagine if they did...? I'm gonna say 4-2 for Ottawa.

Beata: 4-2 Sens win.

Shaan: Recycling the same prediction as last game because that's how Ottawa made the playoffs in the first place. Low-event hockey that heavily relies on scoring first. 2-1 Ottawa in regulation.

Owen: I predict the loudest crowd that this arena has seen to date, just total bedlam. Also Ottawa will win a nailbiter.

Trevor: The Sens send it back to Toronto for Game 7 with a close 2-1 win.

BT: We're in for a wild Saturday night