While fans gear up with playoff merchandise, the Ottawa Senators are making preparations of their own ahead of Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Senators return to home ice Thursday at the Canadian Tire Centre looking to climb out of a 2-0 series deficit, with players pointing to confidence and the boost of a loud home crowd. “We feel a lot more better than being down two nothing last year we got a lot of confidence and we’re excited to get in front of our fans. We all can’t wait,” says Ottawa Senators right winger Drake Batherson. The team also has a solid regular season record for winning on home ice. “It’s obviously nice being home and where you’re comfortable. We’ve played some good hockey and with the playoff atmosphere on top of that it’s going to be rocking here tomorrow night. It’s a game we need,” Batherson said. Off the ice, the team and arena staff are also leaning into the playoff atmosphere with expanded food options throughout the building. New offerings include items such as a charred crudité salad, a “Garden Buddha bowl,” a spicy foot-long “Sparty Playoff Dawg,” rolled with pickled ketchup and topped with Cheetos, pickled jalapeños and queso, as well as lobster ravioli with caviar cream sauce, and an “Extreme Playoff Sandwich” stacked with brisket, pulled pork and hot Italian sausage. Desserts are also part of the push, including an edible chocolate mousse Senators puck. John Mitchell, executive chef of the Canadian Tire Centre’s caterers Aramark, says the goal is to bring added excitement and variety for fans during the post-season. “We are going to be delighting every fan that comes in,” Mitchell says. “What we try to do is bring as much excitement into the building and do some things that are kind of crazy and take different spins on different things but at the same time make it really exciting and enjoyable for the fans and give them something new they haven’t had all season.” For the first time, full food and beverage service will also be available in the 300 level, aimed at improving access and reducing wait times. “This is something fans have been calling for and we’re happy to be able to deliver it in time for the playoffs,” says Chris Phillips, Senators vice president of business development. “Before guests would have to head down to the concourse in the 200 section. This new food market will offer drinks and food items like hotdog nachos, pretzels, and popcorn just to name a few. The masking units (automated checkout system) to grab and go, makes it very fast and user-friendly to get in and out.” Outside the arena, the CIBC Red Zone will host a free watch party starting at 4:30 p.m., and a post-game drone show by local company Capital Drone Show is planned to cap-off the night. Puck drop for Game 3 is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Game 4 is set for Saturday at 3 p.m.
