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Alfredsson says postgame comments ‘probably’ taken out of context

Ottawa Senators v Florida Panthers

SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 15: Daniel Alfredsson #11 of the Ottawa Senators warms up prior to the game against the Florida Panthers on February 15, 2012 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

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After receiving plenty of attention for comments made following a 7-3 loss to Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson cleared the air.

Alfredsson -- who said “probably not” when a reporter asked if Ottawa could come back from a 3-1 series deficit -- tried to explain where he was coming from on Thursday.

“There’s no denying we’re in tough,” he told NHL.com’s Arpon Basu. “Was it taken out of context? Probably, but that’s fine. I can handle that.”

Speaking of context, here’s how Alfie’s Game 4 comments unfolded:

The controversial quotes, obviously, are the “probably not,” followed by "[Pittsburgh’s] depth and our play right now … it doesn’t look too good.”

As for how Alfredsson’s words will affect the club, well -- that remains to be seen.

The Sens were all over the place with their postgame remarks last night, confirming the theory that, in terms of sending messages, all the important stuff is probably said behind closed doors.

To wit, head coach Paul MacLean spent exactly 13 seconds addressing the media, during which he held up the scoresheet and said his club would be ready to play in Pittsburgh for Game 5.

As for the Penguins, they seem to be taking Ottawa’s public comments with a grain of salt. James Neal said he heard Alfredsson’s comments, and replied “I don’t think they’re going to roll over.”

Matt Cooke had an ever stronger message.

“Ottawa’s a team that has no quit,” he said.