Ottawa Senators are set for a Battle of Ontario with meaning

Toronto Maple Leafs’ Simon Benoit (2) flies through the air as he collides with Ottawa Senators’ Adam Gaudette during a game earlier this season. Photo by Justin TangArticle content

Finally, a Battle of Ontario with meaning.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Accountor

Article content

The Ottawa Senators will face off against the arch-rival Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night at Scotiabank Arena in a significant game for both clubs in the Eastern Conference standings.

Article content

While there is always excitement when these two teams meet each other, the Senators can make another big step towards their first trip to the post-season since 2017 with a victory on Hockey Night in Canada.

Article content

That’s also the last time both teams in the provincial battle made the playoffs and picking up the two points is paramount for Ottawa with 17 games left in the National Hockey League’s regular season.

Article content

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Article content

The Senators arrive in the Big Smoke as one of the NHL’s hottest teams with a 6-0-1 record in March and have peeled off five straight wins after closing out February with a five-game losing skid.

Article content

Ottawa is only four points behind the Tampa Bay Lighting for third place in the Atlantic Division and if the Senators can close the gap there is a strong possibility they could face the Leafs in Round 1 of the playoffs.

Article content

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Article content

The Senators have a 2-0-0 record against the Leafs this season and a 5-1-0 record against Toronto over the last two years.

Article content

It’s no wonder fans of the Senators are champing at the bit for the first Battle of Ontario in the post-season since 2004.

Article content

Coming off a 6-3 victory over the Boston Bruins on Thursday at home, the Senators have done a good job taking care of business down the and coach Travis Green has praised the steps this group has taken.

Article content

Adversity can make you stronger and Green believes the struggles the club went through in November have played a key role down the stretch.

Article content

Captain Brady Tkachuk stated with 20 games left in the season that the Senators had to treat every one of those like it was “a Game 7” and that’s been the mindset.

Article content

“It goes back to November when we weren’t playing well and we talked a lot about not looking in the rearview mirror,” said Green, who was behind the bench for his 400th NHL game on Thursday. “Worry about today and worry about the present.

Article content

“When you lose or when you don’t play well, you learn from it and you move on. Sometimes you lose and you have played well and right now I think those lessons then are helping us. You’ve got to play a game, whether you win or lose, you’ve got to reset and we’ve got to do it again.

Article content

“It’s like playoff hockey for a lot of teams in the league and the ones that can stay consistent with finding their own personal teams game are going to be the ones that get in.”