After eight years of rebuilding, the Ottawa Senators have returned to the playoffs.
They experienced a harsh lesson in their playoff debut, losing 6-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 1. However, the game was closer than the score suggests, with Ottawa also giving up 6 power play opportunities.
Game 1 served as a “baptism by fire” on Easter Sunday, providing numerous takeaways for the Senators.
Most importantly, the young Senators, who aspire to a Stanley Cup victory parade, must learn to avoid excessive penalties.
The Maple Leafs capitalized on their power play opportunities, scoring three goals out of six. While some penalties were questionable, others, like Ridley Greig`s cross-check, were clearly avoidable.
Greig`s cross-check to John Tavares` face was initially called a major penalty but was reduced to a minor after review.
