The Toronto Maple Leafs kicked off their playoff series against the Ottawa Senators with a bang, securing a commanding 6-2 victory in Game 1 on Sunday, April 20, 2025. The match, part of the much-anticipated Battle of Ontario, showcased the Leafs' offensive prowess and a few contentious moments that left fans buzzing.
Head coach Craig Berube didn’t hold back his feelings regarding a controversial moment during the game involving Senators winger Ridly Greig and Leafs captain John Tavares. As Tavares finished a check, Greig delivered a cross-check that struck Tavares in the neck area. Initially assessed a five-minute major penalty, the call was downgraded to a two-minute minor after a video review, much to Berube's visible frustration. From the bench, he flashed a five-finger gesture, seemingly advocating for a harsher penalty.
After the game, Berube addressed the media, expressing his thoughts on the incident and the subsequent decision by the NHL not to suspend Greig. "That’s not my call," Berube stated. "The referees and the league will look at things and make the calls they make. We’re not going to focus on that. We’ve got to focus on what we need to do the next game." As he exited the podium, he added in a raised voice, "Call the league!"
Despite the hit, Tavares chose to defuse the situation, stating, "I’m just going to let the refs and the league handle it. I’m just going to compete hard and try to fight for every inch you can and, whatever way calls go, games go, you fight through it and you just continue to play." His calm approach contrasted sharply with the intensity of the game, which saw a total of 52 minutes in penalties, including 15 infractions committed by the Senators.
The Leafs capitalized on the Senators' penalties, scoring three power-play goals. Their special teams were sharp, a significant improvement from their previous playoff performances. This year, the Leafs' power play has been one of the most effective in the league, second only to the Vegas Golden Knights since January 1. In Game 1, they demonstrated their ability to convert opportunities, with John Tavares and William Nylander each netting their first goals of the series.
As the game progressed, the intensity only ramped up. Greig, who was not suspended for his hit on Tavares, later collided with Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz. Fortunately for Toronto, Stolarz was simply given a rest day on Monday, April 21, 2025, and there were no significant issues following the game. He had a solid outing, stopping 31 shots and displaying composure under pressure.
The Senators, on the other hand, struggled to match the Leafs' offensive firepower. Their starting goalie, Linus Ullmark, faced a barrage of shots, allowing six goals on just 24 attempts. This performance only added to his shaky playoff record, now standing at 3-7 with a save percentage below .900. The Senators' defense also faltered, leading to unnecessary penalties and missed opportunities.
As the series continues, the stakes are high. Game 2 is set for Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena, where the Leafs will look to build on their momentum and take a commanding 2-0 series lead. The Battle of Ontario is heating up, and both teams are gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
Fans are already anticipating the next chapter in this fierce rivalry, especially with the series shifting to Ottawa for Games 3 and 4. The Senators will need to regroup and find a way to harness their offensive potential while tightening their defense if they hope to turn the tide in this playoff battle.
As the teams prepare for Game 2, the question on everyone's mind is whether the Senators can respond to the Leafs' explosive start or if Toronto will continue to dominate the series. With the added drama of previous encounters and the high stakes of playoff hockey, the atmosphere is sure to be electric.
In the lead-up to Game 2, former Leaf Tomas Kaberle praised Berube's defensive strategies, noting that he shares tendencies with the legendary Pat Quinn. As the Leafs prepare for the Senators' pushback, the anticipation builds for what could be another classic installment of the Battle of Ontario.
With their sights set on playoff glory, the Maple Leafs are ready to take on the challenge, while the Senators will be eager to prove they can compete at the highest level. The stage is set for an unforgettable playoff series, and fans will be watching closely as the drama unfolds.
