Ottawa Senators' Brady Tkachuk (7) looks on after the team's loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs and elimination from the NHL playoffs, in Ottawa, on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Brady Tkachuk fought back tears as he faced the press after Ottawa’s crushing playoff defeat. The Senators lost 4-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 6, ending their first playoff run since 2017. Toronto took the best-of-seven series 4-2
The team captain, visibly emotional, summed up the mood in one word: “Devastating.”
“I believed in us,” Tkachuk said, his voice trembling. “It’s a tough pill to swallow.”
A Long-Awaited Playoff Dream Cut Short
At 25, Tkachuk had waited over 500 games for this moment. He finally got his taste of playoff hockey — only for it to end too soon.
Despite the loss, he said the experience taught him a lot. Most of all, it revealed the grit and character inside the Senators' locker room.
“We battled back,” he said. “Even in this game, we didn’t quit. That shows the heart in this group.”
Fans Deserved More, Says Tkachuk
Tkachuk expressed deep regret that the team couldn’t deliver a win for their fans.
“This city and this fan base— they showed up,” he said. “We wanted to win for them.”
As he looked ahead, he promised one thing: “We’ll come back with fire next year.”
Series Showed Senators’ Fight
Ottawa had been down 3-0 in the series. Against the odds, they forced a Game 6.
On Thursday night, the Leafs took an early 2-0 lead. But the Senators fought back to tie the game. Once again, the comeback fell just short.
“We left everything on the ice,” said defenceman Thomas Chabot, who also made his playoff debut.
Chabot: No Regrets, Just Pride
Like Tkachuk, Chabot poured everything into the series.
“We lost two games in overtime,” he said. “Those could’ve gone either way.”
Despite the pain, he stood tall.
“No regrets,” he added. “Everyone gave their all.”
Lessons in Every Shift
Head coach Travis Green, in his first year behind the Senators' bench, was also emotional.
“They now know what playoff hockey feels like,” he said. “How hard it is. How little room for error there is.”
He praised his players for their work ethic and commitment.
“I’m proud of this group,” he said. “They played hard.”
Veteran Wisdom: The Climb Gets Steeper
Veteran forward David Perron offered a dose of playoff reality.
“It doesn’t get easier,” he said. “It gets harder from here.”
Perron pointed out that making the playoffs is just step one. Winning a round—or two—is even tougher.
“But I’m proud of how we worked all year to be here,” he said. “We earned this shot.”
Hope Burns Bright for Next Season
Though the sting is fresh, the Senators are already looking forward.
Tkachuk knows the experience will shape the team.
“It takes guts and will,” he said. “We didn’t finish the job, but we learned. We’ll grow from this.”
As the players packed up for the summer, one message rang clear: This was just the beginning. The fire is lit, and Ottawa will be back.
