The Ottawa Senators' journey through the Stanley Cup Playoffs will begin in the Big Apple.

After a long stretch where it looked like the Senators would play the #2 seed Boston Bruins, a season-ending three-game losing streak left Ottawa in the eighth spot against the New York Rangers. 

"Right now we have a fresh slate," Senators goaltender Craig Anderson said to The Canadian Press.

"What happened in the past three games, and really the last 82, is behind us. We have a fresh start. Everyone starts at zero wins and zero losses and that's our mindset. We have to win four before the other team wins four."

"We lacked work ethic, structure and focus in the last three games. Hopefully, that's over," said Senators head coach Paul MacLean.

"The season is over and we can get back to being a hard-working team that plays with speed, plays 200 feet and is hard to play against."

The Senators will face the Eastern Conference champion Rangers starting on Thursday, a result that came as a surprise to many who picked the team to finish close to the bottom of the NHL.

Hockey fans at the Ottawa 67's playoff game Sunday said they're excited both teams are in contention for their league championships, with the 67's tied with the Barrie Colts in Round 2.

"I want the 67's to carry around the Memorial Cup, and Alfie to carry the Stanley Cup," said Daniel Oickle.

"The 67's have always been a good draw, as well as our own," said former 67's head coach and general manager Brian Kilrea. "The Senators have just captured everybody's imagination with the great season."

Businesses along the "Sens Mile" on Elgin Street said they're preparing for big crowds to watch the games. 

"It'll definitely bring some business in," said Sam Francis of The Standard. "We're getting ready, bringing in some more TVs and everything."

"Just seeing the sea of red shirts all over the place is really exciting, we can't wait," said Erin Laverty of Woody's Urban Pub.

Game 2 of the Senators' Eastern Conference Quarterfinal is Saturday night in New York before moving back to Ottawa Monday, April 16 and Wednesday, April 18.

The games that may not be necessary in the best-of-seven series are Game 5 in New York Saturday, April 21, Game 6 back at Scotiabank Place on Monday, April 23 and a deciding Game 7 Thursday, April 26 in New York.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Claudia Cautillo files from The Canadian Press