Maple Leafs Share Thoughts About Sweeping the Senators in Round 1

The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost in the first round in 7 of the last 8 post-seasons and the one time they did advance to the second round, they only managed 1 victory. The core members have been through thick and thin for nearly a decade but tonight they have a chance to amend their many heartbreaking defeats.

After a comprehensive victory in Game 1, the Maple Leafs have had to gut out back to back overtime victories to secure a commanding 3-0 series lead. While a first round sweep would do wonders for everyone involved, players like John Tavares understand what is at stake and will look to play their best game of the series tonight, as reported by Evan Doerfler of The Hockey News.

"We gotta play our best game of the series. The last one is always the hardest to get. We talked about having to get better and better every game when it gets tougher and tougher. So, no doubt, we still have to clean up some things and execute a little better. Today's a challenge, we're excited, it's a great opportunity."

It may be an old cliche but the series clinching victory is always going to be the hardest and you can bet that the Ottawa Senators won't be going quietly tonight either. On home ice and in the post-season for the first time since 2017, the Senators will throw everything including the kitchen sink towards the Leafs.

Nevertheless, being up 3 games to nothing should give the team a confidence boost heading into the Canadian Tire Centre tonight, as they look to complete their first series sweep since 2001.

"I think we're feeling confident about our game. We know this is going to be a tough game; they're going to come out with their best game of the year,» defenseman Simon Benoit said. «We just have to be ready, bring the game to them, and have a good outcome."

Despite how close the games have been on paper, the Maple Leafs have dominated for most parts with their puck possession and look for that to continue tonight and beyond, according to head coach Craig Berube.

"I don't think there's a different approach. Each individual on the team needs to focus on their shift, what they need to do, and the process of it all. They're going to push hard like they have every year. It's no different today. We just have to focus on what we need to do. Each individual, your battles, your compete, puck management, keep playing how we've been playing."

The Senators are going to come out firing but as long as the Leafs can stick to their guns and play the same way they have over the first 3 games of the series, we could be celebrating a series sweep later tonight.