A loss is a loss in the playoffs, whether it is 2-1 in overtime or 7-0. At least that is the mindset that the Ottawa Senators have to take as they face elimination for the first time in these playoffs.

While the trouncing the Senators took at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins was far from the ideal situation, the fact is that tonight's game resets with a 0-0 score at 8:00 pm when the puck drops.

The Penguins have shown they can be beaten and although they are now playing with confidence having scored 10 goals in their last 2 games, the Senators had to drastically alter their style in both games once it got to 3-0 early. That resulted in the comeback on Friday night that just fell short, but also resulted in the blowout that occurred on Sunday.

If you thought games 1 and 2 were boring, you ain't seen nothing yet if the Senators have their way. Look for them to play even more of a shutdown game and try to bide their time and be opportunistic in their hunt for offense. We have seen the results when they try to go run and gun with the Pens, they are playing with paintballs when Pens have live bullets.

Obviously some concern over the health of the Senators, who have been struck by a rash of injuries such that they sat out a number of players in the third period once the game was out of reach. That list of walking wounded includes Erik Karlsson, Cody Ceci, Derick Brassard, who should all play and Alex Burrows, who has missed the last couple of games.

The most important piece for a Senators victory will be Craig Anderson having a bounce-back game after the debacle that was the first period on Sunday. Allowing 4 goals on two stints in less than 20 minutes isn't a recipe for success, although he didn't get much support from the guys in front of him, but if he isn't the best player on the ice the Senators will likely be eliminated.

That being said, the entire roster has to do a better job of sticking to the game plan, and if that means shadowing and giving up no space to any Penguins skaters so be it.

If the Senators can't win two straight against the defending Stanley Cup Champions and their run ends, it has been a great ride for about a month and a half. Still, it's not over yet and you can bet they will not want to have an effort on home ice like they did on Sunday in Pittsburgh.

They don't want to go out like that.

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