NHL Game Preview: Ottawa Senators (35-25-5) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (39-23-3)

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The Ottawa Senators are set to face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario. The puck drops at 7:00 PM EST, and the game will be broadcast on SN, CBC, and TVAS2.

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Team Form and Standings

  • Ottawa Senators: The Senators are in excellent form, riding a five-game winning streak and holding a 35-25-5 record, which places them fourth in the Atlantic Division. They are coming off an impressive 6-3 victory over the Boston Bruins, showcasing their offensive depth and defensive resilience. Ottawa has been particularly strong in close games, boasting a 16-5-3 record in one-goal contests.
  • Toronto Maple Leafs: The Maple Leafs, with a 39-23-3 record, sit third in the Atlantic Division but have struggled recently, losing four of their last five games, including a 3-2 defeat to the Florida Panthers. Despite their recent slump, Toronto remains a formidable opponent, especially at home, where they have a 20-12-1 record.

Key Players to Watch

  • Ottawa Senators:
    • Tim Stützle: Leading the team with 20 goals and 47 assists, Stützle has been the driving force behind Ottawa’s offense.
    • Brady Tkachuk: The captain has been in fine form, contributing seven goals and two assists in his last 10 games.
    • Linus Ullmark: Expected to start in goal, Ullmark has a 17-11-3 record with a 2.68 goals-against average (GAA) and a .911 save percentage. He has been solid against Toronto in his career, with a 5-5-1 record.
  • Toronto Maple Leafs:
    • Mitch Marner: The dynamic winger leads the Leafs with 80 points, combining elite playmaking and scoring ability.
    • William Nylander: Nylander has been a consistent contributor, tallying 67 points this season.
    • Joseph Woll: Likely to start in net, Woll has a 22-12 record with a 2.78 GAA and a .905 save percentage. However, he has struggled against Ottawa, with a 0-2 career record and a 3.55 GAA.

Matchup Insights

  • The Senators have won the last meeting between these teams, a 2-1 victory, and will look to carry that momentum into this game.
  • Ottawa’s offense has been clicking, averaging 3.4 goals per game in their last 10 outings, while Toronto has averaged 3.8 goals per game in the same span.
  • Special teams could play a pivotal role, as the Senators’ power play has been effective, while the Maple Leafs’ penalty kill has been inconsistent.

Injuries and Lineups

  • Ottawa Senators: The Senators are without Travis Hamonic and Nick Cousins, who are sidelined with long-term injuries. However, Brady Tkachuk is expected to return soon, which would be a significant boost.
  • Toronto Maple Leafs: The Leafs are missing Max Pacioretty and Jani Hakanpää, both dealing with long-term injuries. Their depth will be tested as they aim to bounce back from their recent struggles.