Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green isn't hitting the panic button — even as his team finds itself staring down a 2-0 series deficit against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the NHL playoffs.
After dropping both games on the road in Raleigh, the Senators return to Canadian Tire Centre where Ottawa fans will be hoping some home-ice energy can spark a turnaround. Green, speaking to reporters ahead of the pivotal Game 3, emphasized that his group needs to stick to the system rather than make wholesale changes out of desperation.
"We believe in our process," Green said. "We've been in tough spots before. The group has to trust what got us here."
The Series So Far
The Hurricanes have been relentless through the opening two games, suffocating Ottawa's transition game and capitalizing on defensive-zone breakdowns. Carolina's structured play has neutralized much of what made the Senators dangerous during the regular season — their speed and puck-possession in the neutral zone.
The Sens have struggled to generate sustained offensive-zone time, and their power play, a weapon that carried them to the postseason, has yet to click in this series. For Ottawa to have any chance of flipping the script, those special teams will need to come alive starting in Game 3.
What Needs to Change
Green's trust in the process is understandable, but adjustments will still be necessary. Ottawa needs to win the physical battle along the boards more consistently, particularly in their own end. Turnovers in the neutral zone have been costly, giving Carolina's high-pressure forecheck easy opportunities to generate scoring chances.
Offensively, the Senators' top line will need to produce. When Ottawa's marquee forwards lead the charge, the rest of the lineup tends to follow. If the Sens can get traffic to the net and capitalize on second-chance opportunities, the Hurricanes' goaltending can be beaten.
Ottawa Fans Can Make the Difference
Canadian Tire Centre has been rocking during the Senators' playoff run, and the atmosphere for Game 3 promises to be electric. Ottawa's playoff faithful have a long history of showing up when the team needs them most — a packed, loud building is one of the few true home advantages left in professional hockey, and the Sens will need every decibel.
The city has rallied around this team all season, and the belief locally is that this series is far from over. Coming back from 2-0 is difficult but absolutely achievable — it has happened plenty of times in NHL history, including deep runs by teams with less talent than what Ottawa currently has on the roster.
What's at Stake
Falling behind 3-0 would put the Senators in near-impossible territory. Game 3 in Ottawa is effectively a must-win, and Green knows it — even if his messaging stays measured and composed. The coach's steadiness can be contagious, but at some point the players need to translate that calm into results on the ice.
Ottawa still has the talent to make this a series. Now they need to prove it.
Source: TSN via Google News Sens feed
