Craig Berube Sends Strong Message to his Team Ahead of Intense Showdown vs. the Senators

Coming off a rough 5-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to get a big bounce back win in Ottawa in a crucial Battle of Ontario.

Head coach Craig Berube knows it's a must-win game, and thinks the team needs to have a lot more heart when it comes to their on-ice production:

Heading into enemy territory, the Maple Leafs are looking to extend their lead in the Atlantic Division as Ottawa is slowly nipping at the bud as a dark horse candidate.

The Senators are only three points out of a wild card spot, and are coming off back to back shutout losses, so are equally as hungry as Toronto for making a statement.

While the fans are going to be raucous tonight, Toronto hopes the fanfare they get from local fans translates into a more passionate and energetic home crowd, as there has been lots of criticism regarding their reactions as of late.

The Maple Leafs are missing some key players like John Tavares, Matthew Knies, and Max Pacioretty among another laundry list of roster members on the shelf, and are looking to a few rookies in order to shoulder the load.

Of the 145 games played between the two teams, Ottawa owns a 74-55-3-13 record all-time, so it bodes well for the team representing the Nation's capital.

Anton Forsberg is going to get the call for the Senators meanwhile Joseph Woll gets to patrol between the pipes tonight for the Leafs. Forsberg is 5-9-1 with a 2.92 GAA and .889 SV% in 17 games; Woll is 17-8-0 with a 2.69 GAA and .907 SV%.

The Battle of Ontario is set to be one filled with fireworks and excitement, and the action kicks off at 7pm ET from the Canadian Tire Center in Ottawa.