The Battle of Ontario opens its 2025 playoff chapter tonight in Toronto as the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Ottawa Senators in Game 1 of the NHL Playoffs First Round. Scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, this matchup is set to reignite a fierce rivalry that has seen both teams vie for supremacy over the years.
The Senators, who finished the regular season with a record of 45-30-7 and secured 97 points, are entering the playoffs as the first wild card team. In contrast, the Maple Leafs dominated the regular season with a 52-26-4 record, amassing 108 points to clinch the Atlantic Division title. Despite their regular-season success, the Leafs have struggled historically in the playoffs, winning only six playoff rounds since 2000 and just one since 2004.
In terms of head-to-head matchups this season, the Senators have had the upper hand, winning all three meetings against the Leafs. However, they have never defeated Toronto in a playoff series, holding a 0-4 record in such encounters. The Senators have not made the postseason since the 2016-17 season, adding to the stakes of this matchup.
As the game approaches, all eyes are on Auston Matthews, who has been a key player for the Leafs this season. Matthews has scored in 30 of 67 games, including multiple goals in three games. His performance against the Senators this season has been notable, with one goal from three shots in their two previous encounters. His odds to score in this game stand at +130, meaning a $10 bet would yield a $13 profit if he finds the back of the net.
On the defensive side, the Senators have allowed 232 goals this season, averaging 2.8 goals against per game, ranking them 13th in the league. They have yet to hold an opponent scoreless this season, suggesting that the Leafs' offensive prowess could pose a significant challenge for Ottawa.
The Senators will rely on their key players, including Tim Stutzle and Michael Amadio, who have each scored twice against the Leafs this season. Captain Brady Tkachuk, returning from injury, is expected to bring intensity to the ice and has expressed his excitement for his first NHL playoff game, stating, "It has been a long time coming. All of those times in the driveway or playing mini-sticks, you’re thinking of scoring a winner in the Stanley Cup playoffs in a big game. To finally be here is surreal."
Coaching strategies will also play a vital role in this matchup. Travis Green, head coach of the Senators, acknowledged the challenge of containing the Leafs' elite forwards, saying, "You are talking about elite players in the NHL. When you talk about the top players in the league, those names come up a lot. We are going to have our hands full." Green emphasized the importance of discipline and checking well against the Leafs, who are known for their offensive skill.
From the Maple Leafs' perspective, their head coach has instilled a sense of urgency within the team. Chris Tanev highlighted the importance of maintaining discipline against the Senators, especially given the high number of penalties called in recent games. Tanev noted, "We know [Tkachuk] is a big body. He is going to be at the net and is going to play physical. We need to match his intensity and stay disciplined."
As the teams prepare for Game 1, the projected lineups have been released. For the Maple Leafs, the forward lines will feature Matthew Knies alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, while the Senators will counter with Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, and Claude Giroux on their top line. Both teams are expected to bring their best as they battle for early momentum in the series.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN2, with live streaming available via Fubo. Fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this matchup, which promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with intensity and high stakes.
As the puck drops, the anticipation is palpable. Will the Maple Leafs finally break their playoff curse against the Senators, or will Ottawa's underdog mentality propel them to victory? The answer will unfold on the ice tonight, and fans of both teams are ready for what promises to be a memorable opening game in this playoff series.
