The Battle of Ontario is set to ignite the ice this Sunday as the Ottawa Senators prepare to clash with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the NHL playoffs. This highly anticipated matchup, which marks the first postseason meeting between these two teams in over two decades, will take place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, with Game 1 scheduled for April 20, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET.
The NHL officially released the full first-round playoff schedule on April 17, 2025, confirming the dates and times for the best-of-seven series. Game 2 will follow on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET, also in Toronto, before the series shifts to Ottawa for Games 3 and 4. Fans can expect a thrilling atmosphere as both teams vie for a crucial advantage in this storied rivalry.
For the Maple Leafs, this will be their ninth consecutive playoff appearance, a feat that underscores their consistency in the league. They wrapped up the regular season with an impressive record of 52 wins, 26 losses, and 4 overtime losses, earning them the top seed in the Atlantic Division with a total of 108 points. Toronto's star center, Auston Matthews, has been pivotal in their success, and the team will look to him to lead the charge in the playoffs.
On the other hand, the Senators are making their first playoff appearance in eight seasons, having secured a wildcard spot with a record of 45 wins, 30 losses, and 7 overtime losses, totaling 97 points. Despite their lower seed, Ottawa has proven to be a formidable opponent, having defeated the Maple Leafs in all three of their regular-season meetings. This history adds an extra layer of intrigue to their playoff matchup.
The series schedule is as follows:
- Game 1: Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET in Toronto
- Game 2: Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET in Toronto
- Game 3: Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET in Ottawa
- Game 4: Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET in Ottawa
- Game 5: Tuesday, April 29, 2025, time TBD in Toronto
- Game 6: Thursday, May 1, 2025, time TBD in Ottawa
- Game 7: Saturday, May 3, 2025, time TBD in Toronto
As the excitement builds, single-game playoff tickets are now available for both cities, allowing fans to witness the fierce competition live. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as both teams look to gain the upper hand in this pivotal series.
The rivalry between the Senators and Maple Leafs is steeped in history, and this playoff series is sure to be a highlight of the NHL postseason. With both teams bringing their best to the ice, fans can anticipate a series filled with intense competition, skillful plays, and unforgettable moments.
As the first puck drops on Sunday, all eyes will be on Toronto, where the Maple Leafs aim to capitalize on their home-ice advantage, while the Senators will look to upset their rivals and prove their mettle in the playoffs.
This matchup not only represents a battle for playoff supremacy but also a chance for both teams to etch their names in the history books of the NHL. With the stakes high and the rivalry renewed, the Battle of Ontario promises to deliver thrilling hockey action that fans won’t want to miss.
