In a thrilling overtime showdown, the Ottawa Senators defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 in Game 4 of their playoff series, keeping their postseason hopes alive. Jake Sanderson emerged as the hero, scoring the game-winning goal in the extra period, as the Senators cut the Maple Leafs' series lead to 3-1.
The game, played on April 26, 2025, showcased a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Senators initially jumping to a 2-0 lead in the first period before the Maple Leafs rallied back. Tim Stutzle opened the scoring for Ottawa at 9:03, netting his first career playoff goal with a powerful one-timer from the top of the circle, assisted by Jake Sanderson. Just over five minutes later, Shane Pinto extended the lead to two with a breakaway goal at 14:11, slipping the puck past Toronto’s goaltender Anthony Stolarz.
However, the Leafs were not to be counted out. John Tavares responded just before the first intermission, tipping in a shot from William Nylander at 19:05, narrowing the gap to 2-1. The second period saw the momentum shift, with the Senators struggling to maintain their early advantage.
Despite dominating the first period, the Senators managed only one shot on goal during the second, while the Maple Leafs increased their intensity. Matthew Knies showcased his speed and skill, tying the game at 2-2 at 10:12 of the second period. Racing past Senators defenseman Artem Zub, Knies poked the puck ahead and beat goaltender Linus Ullmark with a precise shot, marking his third goal of the series.
With the score tied, Ottawa regained the lead in the third period thanks to a goal from David Perron, who found the back of the net early in the frame. But the excitement didn’t end there. With only five minutes remaining, Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored for Toronto, forcing the game into overtime.
As the teams entered the extra frame, the tension was palpable. The Senators faced a daunting challenge when they found themselves on a four-minute penalty kill, having to fend off the Leafs' power play. The Ottawa defense, led by Chris Tanev, rose to the occasion, blocking several shots and maintaining their composure under pressure.
Finally, with just under six minutes left in overtime, Sanderson sealed the victory for the Senators, scoring the decisive goal that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. The Senators' win not only kept their playoff hopes alive, but it also set the stage for a highly anticipated Game 5, scheduled for Tuesday night in Toronto.
The Maple Leafs, who now lead the series 3-1, will be looking to close it out in front of their home fans, while the Senators will aim to build on their momentum from this thrilling victory. The stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams prepare for what promises to be an electrifying matchup.
Overall, this game highlighted the resilience of the Senators and their ability to perform under pressure. With standout performances from players like Sanderson and Knies, Ottawa demonstrated that they are far from finished in this series.
As the teams gear up for Game 5, fans can expect another hard-fought battle as the Senators look to extend their playoff journey while the Maple Leafs aim to finish the job and advance to the second round.
