You’ve heard it time and again over the past two days, the fourth win is always the hardest.

And if you had any doubts, rest assured the Ottawa Senators are going to try to make sure it is, as the Toronto Maple Leafs search for the series sweep at the Canadian Tire Centre on Saturday night.

At the same time, the Senators are hardly coming out guns a blazing in their pre-game media, instead opting for a reserved, focused approach, as they face the prospect of being eliminated at home by their Ontario rivals. Asked about the message coming from veteran players ahead of Saturday night’s matchup, Tim Stützle said it’s all about faith in what their team has the ability to do.

“Keep believing, keep playing our game,” Stützle said, after morning skate. “Trusting our game and playing with confidence. I think that’s been our motto all year, that we want to respond after games we didn’t play well enough. And that’s our goal tonight.”

The 23-year-old centre is one of many Senators skaters making their playoff debut this year against a very seasoned Leafs team. Dylan Cozens is amongst those playing his inaugural postseason series, and for his part, he’s taking in every moment despite the unfortunate situation in which his team finds themselves.

“Obviously we’re not where we want to be, but there’s confidence amongst this group,” Cozens said. “We’re playing in the NHL playoffs and we’re happy to be here. We’ve got to enjoy the moment and embrace it.”

Stützle was Ottawa’s points leader with 79 this year, while Cozens had 16 through the end of the season with the Senators. Both players have one assist through three playoff games so far and will look to make their mark Saturday.

Speaking after morning skate, Senators head coach Travis Green had a similarly somber tone, saying his team is ready to give their all as they face the potential of a season-ending loss.

“If you’re going to lose, you’re going to lose playing your best,” Green said. “And that’s what we are looking for out of our group tonight.”

Worn down by three defeats to open their playoff run, losing in overtime back-to-back, it’s no wonder the Senators are sounding a little disheartened. But that might be just what makes them a threat to Toronto tonight. Playing with nothing and everything to lose while the Maple Leafs sit pretty, Ottawa will be unpredictable and aggressive, and the Leafs need to be ready to counter that to fight for their place in the second round.