The Toronto Maple Leafs achieved a playoff series victory, which isn`t a commonplace event for the team.
This particular win occurred on the road in Ottawa. As the final seconds of the decisive game elapsed, the arena, filled to capacity, erupted in a standing ovation, chanting loudly and cheering enthusiastically.
Was this a situation where Leafs fans had once again taken over the Canadian Tire Centre? Absolutely not.
These were dedicated Ottawa Senators fans, proudly dominating their home building and roaring their approval for their developing Senators team. The team had mounted an impressive comeback after falling behind 0-3 in the series, managing to extend it to six games against Toronto. Rarely has a loss felt so acceptable or earned such a positive reaction.
With the exception of the first game, the contests were incredibly close, and on any given night, the outcome could have easily favored the other team.
Game 6 was characteristic of the series` intensity. Veteran player David Perron tied the score at 2-2 during the third period, only for another experienced playoff performer, Max Pacioretty, to net the game-winning goal with approximately five minutes remaining in the final frame.
Three of the six games required extra time to decide the winner. Significantly, the Maple Leafs won two of these three thrilling overtime matches.
Once the game concluded, even from the upper deck, it appeared evident that tears were streaming down the faces of Ottawa captain Brady Tkachuk and goaltender Linus Ullmark as they embraced before the traditional post-series handshake line with the victorious Leafs – a deeply respected tradition in hockey.
Despite the defeat, the fans chanted “Bra-dy!!” “Bra-dy!!” and continued with further rounds of “Go Sens Go!!”
The captain, who scored four goals throughout the series, and his teammates raised their sticks towards the sky, saluting their loyal supporters.
“Right back at you,” seemed to be the unspoken message they conveyed to the adoring crowd.
