Canada lost one of their postseason representatives as the Montreal Canadiens fell to the Washington Capitals last night, and they are bound to lose another in this series. The Toronto Maple Leafs lead the Ottawa Senators by one game, heading into the sixth matchup tonight.
Toronto looked very strong in the first game, winning 6-2 on their own ice. Things were much more even in Game 2, and it took them overtime to do so, but the Leafs once again came out on top. In Game 3, we went to Ottawa and again, we had a valiant effort from the Senators fall just short, as the Leafs took a 3-0 lead after winning a second straight game in overtime.
Toronto looked like they would seal the sweep in Game 4, but the Senators came out fighting. After Toronto forced overtime, they found themselves with a four minute power play in the extra period. The Leafs were unable to finish things off then, and have paid the price since. The Senators went on to win Game 4, and are coming off a 4-0 road shutout in Game 5.
They have all the momentum possible, can they force a Game 7?
Like I mentioned, the Senators have all the momentum. They truly believe they can win this Game 6 at home, and ride a winning streak all the way into Game 7 back in Toronto. However, that starts with handling business tonight. Momentum can take you very far in these Stanley Cup Playoffs, as we saw with the Oilers winning a third straight against the Kings. Despite being outmanned, I think Ottawa can surprise the Leafs who should've finished this series on that extended power play in Game 4.
Give me the Senators. They are favorites at home for a reason. Each team has had a blow out win, and then we've had three overtime contests in this series. It's been relatively equal. Now, although the Maple Leafs lead the playoff series 3-2, the Senators lead the overall season series 5-3. Linus Ullmark has 60 saves in his last two outings, and he's been a big reason as to why the Senators are still in these playoffs.
Ultimately, Toronto is going to rip the puck, it's what they do. But if the Sens get their bodies in front of pucks like they've been doing recently and Ullmark stays strong between the pipes, they certainly have a shot. This is as much of a gut play as it is a narrative play, as I think karma is coming for Toronto for not ending things when they had the four minute power play.
I could see that coming back to haunt them as the Senators are in a very dangerous place right now. They are not an opponent I would want to see, and I'll happily back them at home in this do or die spot.
Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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