Anthony Stolarz, the Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender, perfectly encapsulated the anticipation surrounding the upcoming playoff series against the Ottawa Senators by stating, “It’s gonna be a bloodbath. Gonna be a little bit of war. So, we’ll be ready.” This first-round matchup marks the first meeting between the provincial rivals in the playoffs in 21 years, with their last postseason encounter occurring in 2004. The two teams were regular adversaries in the early 2000s, creating classic battles that featured notable players like Tie Domi, Chris Neil, Mats Sundin, and Daniel Alfredsson.
As the two teams gear up for their playoff clash, individuals like Maple Leafs forward Steven Lorentz, who hails from Kitchener, Ontario, express personal nostalgia for the series. Lorentz recalled watching the series as a child, practicing his shot with a mini-stick in front of the TV. Now, he finds himself a part of the excitement as the teams prepare to meet once again on the big stage.
Since their last playoff series, the trajectories of both franchises have diverged significantly. The Maple Leafs struggled to gain traction for over a decade, missing the playoffs in 10 out of 11 seasons, while the Senators enjoyed success in the late 2000s with a run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2007. However, the tide turned around 2016-17, with the Senators experiencing a deep playoff run, while the Maple Leafs began to emerge from their slump, aided by new stars like Auston Matthews. As of 2024-25, the Leafs find themselves still in search of playoff success, having suffered seven first-round exits in eight years, while a rejuvenated Senators team is eager to reclaim its place as a contender.
The excitement around this matchup is palpable, as fans in both cities eagerly await the series. Ottawa head coach Travis Green emphasized the emotional and intense nature of the encounter, noting it would deliver everything expected from a playoff series. Moreover, Senators forward Drake Batherson acknowledged the community's desire for the Battle of Ontario, stating that fans will surely get what they want with this matchup.
Fans may recall that the Maple Leafs, needing a spark after years of playoff disappointment, specifically sought a clash with the Senators over facing other tough opponents like the Florida Panthers or Tampa Bay Lightning. Yet, this heightened desire does not negate the challenge posed by an Ottawa team that dominated the regular season series, winning all three matchups and outscoring the Leafs 9-3.
Beyond the records against each other this season, this playoff series brings with it significant underlying narratives. The Maple Leafs are under immense pressure to perform, given their status as division winners and ongoing questions surrounding the future of their star-laden roster. With a mindset of seeking meaningful postseason results, the arrival of head coach Craig Berube has introduced a new style better suited to the playoff grind, contributing to their recent success and Atlantic Division title.
Conversely, the Senators enter this matchup with a sense of renewed hope. After years of rebuilding and incremental progress, the franchise has supplemented its young core, featuring stars like Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle, with experienced players such as Claude Giroux and Linus Ullmark. Ottawa's first return to the playoffs since 2017 signifies a crucial step forward, with any success from this point viewed as a bonus.
As the series approaches, all eyes will be on key players who could tilt the balance. For the Maple Leafs, Anthony Stolarz stands out as the x-factor. His league-leading .926 save percentage going into the playoffs and impressive play throughout the season—especially in critical moments—positions him as a pivotal player for Toronto. With his ability to deliver in one-goal games, Stolarz's performance could be instrumental in turning the tides for the Maple Leafs, who have painfully faced challenges in close matchups in prior playoffs.
On the other hand, Jake Sanderson, a promising young defenseman for the Senators, represents a significant opportunity for Ottawa. Sanderson's offensive contributions from the blue line have elevated him to the upper echelon of NHL defenders. His recent hot streak showcases his capacity to make impactful plays at crucial times. Senators fans hope that Sanderson can emulate the legacy of Erik Karlsson and become a game-changer for Ottawa as they push for playoff success.
