The Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face off in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference First Round playoff series on April 20, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. This marks the first time in 21 years that these two rivals have met in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, reigniting the historic Battle of Ontario.
Team Overview & Season Performance
Toronto Maple Leafs (52-26-4, 108 points, No. 1 Seed)
- The Maple Leafs clinched the Atlantic Division title, finishing atop their division for the first time in 25 years.
- Mitch Marner led the team with 102 points (27 goals, 75 assists), proving to be Toronto’s most versatile offensive weapon.
- Auston Matthews and William Nylander each had standout seasons, contributing heavily to Toronto’s elite goal-scoring.
- Toronto ranks fourth in the NHL in 5-on-5 goals and boasts a top-tier power play.
Ottawa Senators (45-30-7, 97 points, Wild Card No. 1)
- The Senators secured a playoff berth for the first time since 2017, marking a major turnaround for the franchise.
- Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle lead Ottawa’s young core, both making their postseason debuts.
- Linus Ullmark, acquired from Boston, has stabilized Ottawa’s goaltending, finishing the season with a 2.72 GAA and .910 save percentage.
- Ottawa won the season series 3-0, outscoring Toronto by a +6 goal differential.
Key Matchups & X-Factors
Mitch Marner vs. Senators’ Defense
- Marner was Toronto’s MVP this season, leading the team in power-play points (33) and game-winning goals (7).
- Ottawa’s defense, led by Artem Zub, will need to contain Marner’s playmaking ability.
Linus Ullmark vs. Maple Leafs’ Offense
- Ullmark has been solid but faces a Toronto lineup that ranks seventh in NHL scoring.
- If Ullmark can hold off Toronto’s attack, Ottawa has a chance to steal Game 1.
Special Teams Battle
- Toronto’s power play ranks ninth in the NHL (24.8%), while Ottawa’s penalty kill ranks 19th (77.7%).
- If the Maple Leafs capitalize on special teams, they’ll have a significant advantage.
Game Odds
Ottawa Senators 5.5
Toronto Maple Leafs – 162
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, April 19, 2025
