For the first time in 21 years, the Battle of Ontario returns to the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Ottawa Senators in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series Sunday night at Scotiabank Arena.
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While the Senators swept the regular season series 3-0, the Maple Leafs finished 11 points ahead in the standings and come in as the higher seed with home-ice advantage. Both teams enter this series with something to prove. Ottawa is looking to make noise in its first playoff appearance since 2017, and Toronto aims to break through in the postseason after years of frustration.
Item One: The Battle of Ontario Could Become a Physical Series
As the Maple Leafs and Senators gear up for their first-round playoff clash, physicality is set to be a defining theme. The return of Ryan Reaves signals Toronto’s readiness to match Ottawa’s grit, but there’s a fine line between setting a tone and crossing into dangerous territory. Reaves brings energy and intimidation, but with referees quick to call penalties to control the game, maintaining discipline will be crucial, especially with memories of past suspensions like Nazem Kadri still fresh in Toronto’s minds.
The Senators are expected to target the Maple Leafs’ core players, trying to disrupt their rhythm through relentless pressure and physical play. But under head coach Craig Berube, this is a tougher Maple Leafs squad than in years past. While stars like Auston Matthews will still be in the spotlight, Toronto now has the personnel to push back and turn physical games into opportunities. The series won’t just be a test of skill—it’ll be a battle of composure, toughness, and who can walk the line without falling off it.
Item Two: Maple Leafs’ Core Leads the Way Into Playoffs
As the Maple Leafs head into the postseason, their elite core continues to be the driving force offensively. With 102 points (fifth in the NHL) and 75 assists (third in the league), Mitch Marner has been the primary playmaker, fueling Toronto’s top line and power play. His on-ice vision and creativity will be key in the playoffs.
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William Nylander had a career year, finishing with 45 goals (second in the NHL) and 84 points. His speed and goal-scoring ability make him a constant threat, but he must maintain consistency to succeed in the postseason. That said, over the last few playoff series, Nylander is the one Maple Leafs player who seems the least affected by the bright lights. Look for him to continue that trend.
Matthews, the team’s new captain this season, put up 78 points. He remains the most complete forward on the team. His two-way play and knack for scoring in crucial moments will make him a focal point for Ottawa’s defense. These three players will be essential for the Maple Leafs’ success as they aim to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Item Three: Stolarz Set to Start Game 1 for Maple Leafs
Anthony Stolarz will start in the net against Ottawa for the Maple Leafs in Game 1. The 30-year-old finished the regular season with a 21-8-3 record, four shutouts, a 2.14 goals-against average, and a .926 save percentage in 34 games. Surprisingly, this will be his first career playoff start.
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Ottawa averaged 2.95 goals per game this season, tied for 18th in the NHL. Will Stolarz show the same skill and desire he’s shown during the regular season? He’s been nothing but gold for the team, but until the puck drops and things get underway, who knows?
Item Four: Maple Leafs Recall Akhtyamov as Playoff Third Goalie
In what might be seen as a surprise move, Russian goalie prospect Artur Akhtyamov has been recalled from the American Hockey League (AHL) Toronto Marlies to serve as the Maple Leafs’ third goaltender during the playoffs, behind Stolarz and Joseph Woll. The 23-year-old posted an 11-8-4 record with three shutouts, a 2.81 goals-against average, and a .901 save percentage in 26 AHL games this season.
Notably, there’s no sign of Matt Murray on the roster to start the postseason. I might have thought that Murray would be called up, allowing the two younger goalies — Akhtyamov and Dennis Hildeby — to be in the crease when the Marlies begin their postseason against the Cleveland Monsters this coming Thursday.
Item Five: Pacioretty and Kämpf Cleared, But Neither in Maple Leafs’ Game 1 Lineup
Max Pacioretty has been cleared to return but will not play in Game 1. He remains on long-term injured reserve, though his activation is expected soon. Pacioretty missed the final 27 games of the regular season and recorded five goals, 13 points, and 105 hits in 37 games.
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David Kämpf has also been cleared from an upper-body injury but will be a healthy scratch to open the series. He missed the last seven games of the regular season, scored five goals, and added eight assists in 59 games.
Item Six: McCabe, Ekman-Larsson Expected to Play for Maple Leafs in Game 1
Jake McCabe will return to the lineup for Game 1 after missing the final seven games of the regular season with an upper-body injury. He practiced alongside Chris Tanev on Saturday and finished the season with two goals, 21 assists, 118 hits, and 135 blocks in 66 games.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson also practiced Saturday after missing the season’s final four games. According to Elliotte Friedman, Berube expects him to return for Game 1. Ekman-Larsson had four goals, 25 assists, 108 hits, and 83 blocks in 77 games this season.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
After years of playoff frustration, including just one series win in their last eight appearances, the pressure is again on Toronto. Game 1 offers a chance to change the narrative and prove that this version of the Maple Leafs is more than just a regular-season success.
A win on home ice would give them the early edge in the series and help quiet the ghosts of past collapses. This is the moment to take a step forward for a team led by superstars and supported by a new-look blue line and goaltending tandem. The puck drops tonight. Let the battle begin.
