The Ottawa Senators experienced a penalty disparity in Game 1 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which the Maple Leafs capitalized on.
Ottawa conceded three power-play goals and accumulated 38 penalty minutes in their 6-2 defeat in the first game of the series.
When questioned about the penalties called against his team, Senators head coach Travis Green highlighted the necessity of avoiding penalties. However, he also suggested that a lack of discipline wasn`t the sole factor in the number of penalties assessed.
`We must avoid penalties, that’s for certain. As games progress, emotions can run high,` Green stated to reporters post-game. `I felt some calls were influenced by their ability to draw penalties effectively. It`s challenging for the referees, but we cannot afford to take that many penalties.`
Throughout the regular season, the Senators` playing style led to them drawing a league-leading 349 penalties. In Game 1, the power play count was 6-2 in favor of the Maple Leafs.
Despite the loss, Senators captain Brady Tkachuk believes the team`s performance in Game 1 was strong enough to warrant a win, suggesting that fewer penalties could have altered the game`s outcome.
`Clearly, the result isn`t what we desired, but the issue is evident: excessive penalties leading to goals against,` Tkachuk explained. `This falls on us. We need greater discipline. First-game nerves and mistakes are expected, but moving forward, our mindset remains unchanged.`
The Senators are set to play Game 2 on Tuesday night, aiming to tie the series.