On a thrilling night in Ottawa, defenseman Jake Sanderson delivered a stunning overtime goal, leading the Ottawa Senators to a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 26, 2025. This win not only marked a pivotal moment for the Senators but also forced a fifth game in their first-round playoff series.
The atmosphere at the Canadian Tire Centre was electric as Sanderson fired a long wrist shot from the left boards at 17:42 of overtime, sending the puck sailing through traffic and past Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz into the top right corner of the net. "Crazy atmosphere," Sanderson remarked after the game. "It’s pretty awesome." This victory was particularly significant for Ottawa, as it was their first playoff win since the 2017 Eastern Conference Final.
Game 5 is set to take place on Tuesday night, April 29, 2025, in Toronto, where the Maple Leafs will look to regain control of the series after missing an opportunity for a sweep. The Senators had previously battled through two consecutive overtime losses in Games 2 and 3, making this win all the more crucial.
Throughout the game, the Senators took an early lead, establishing a 2-0 advantage in the first period. Tim Stutzle opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 9:03, followed by Shane Pinto, who found the net with 5:49 remaining in the period. However, the Maple Leafs responded just before the first intermission when John Tavares pulled Toronto within one goal with his third score of the series, hitting the back of the net with just 55 seconds left in the first.
In the second period, Matthew Knies tied the game for the Maple Leafs at 9:48, also marking his third goal of the series. Yet, the Senators regained the lead in the third period when David Perron scored at 7:32, giving Ottawa a 3-2 advantage. The goal came after a fast break, with Artem Zub setting up Perron perfectly after a physical play involving Brady Tkachuk and Maple Leafs forward Pontus Holmberg.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson later equalized for Toronto with 5:29 left in regulation, beating Senators goalie Linus Ullmark with a shot from the right side off a cross pass from William Nylander. "I think, obviously, we had a lot of chances," Ekman-Larsson said. "We had a power play that we could have done some damage but they killed it off."
Ottawa's defense was put to the test in overtime when the Maple Leafs received a four-minute power play after Drake Batherson was penalized for high-sticking Chris Tanev. Senators head coach Travis Green praised his team’s penalty kill, stating, "Any time a team like Toronto gets a four-minute power play, you know you’re in one. A lot of credit to our penalty kill. They really got the job done. Gutsy effort."
Despite the pressure, the Senators held their ground, with Ullmark making 31 saves to secure the win. Stolarz, on the other hand, stopped 17 shots for Toronto. The Maple Leafs were left to reflect on what could have been, as they were on the verge of their first playoff sweep since defeating the Senators in the first round of 2001.
As the series heads back to Toronto, the tension is palpable. The Maple Leafs will need to regroup and focus on their execution if they hope to close out the series in Game 5. Coach Craig Berube emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and composure, stating, "Each individual on the team needs to focus on their shift, what they need to do, and the process of it all." He noted that the mood in the locker room has been business-like, with players eager to get back on the ice.
Berube also highlighted the contributions of players like Scott Laughton and Matthew Knies, who have been instrumental in the series. Laughton’s gamesmanship and faceoff skills have been crucial, while Knies has made a significant impact with his net-front presence, scoring most of his goals from close range. "That is maybe the biggest part of his game: the net front," Berube said. "He has done an excellent job of it, but it is the understanding and willingness to want to do it. That’s on him. He has bought into that."
As the teams prepare for Game 5, the stakes could not be higher. The Senators, now with momentum on their side, will look to capitalize on their recent success, while the Maple Leafs must find a way to regain their footing and avoid the first-round exit that has haunted them in recent years. Only four NHL teams have ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a series, and Toronto will aim to avoid being another statistic.
The playoff intensity is sure to ramp up as both teams vie for a chance to advance. With the series tied at 3-1, fans can expect a fierce battle on Tuesday night in Toronto, where every play could be the difference between victory and elimination. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to this first-round matchup, and both teams will need to bring their best as they chase the ultimate prize: a chance at the Stanley Cup.
