The Maple Leafs and Senators are meeting in the playoffs for the first time in 21 years, renewing their rivalry.
Toronto finished atop their division for the first time in 25 years (excluding the shortened 2020-21 season).
Linus Ullmark's arrival has significantly improved Ottawa's goaltending, making them a tougher team to play against.
Mitch Marner is a key player for the Maple Leafs, contributing in various aspects of the game, including power play, penalty kill, and even defense.
Brady Tkachuk is the inspirational leader for the Senators, known for his scoring, physicality, and ability to get under the opposition's skin.
Craig Berube's coaching has instilled a north-south defensive style in the Maple Leafs.
Why this matters: This series is crucial for both teams, with Toronto seeking a deep playoff run and Ottawa aiming to prove their young core can compete at the highest level. The goaltending matchup and the performance of key players like Marner and Tkachuk will be pivotal in determining the outcome. For fans, it's a long-awaited renewal of a classic rivalry.
The Battle of Ontario is back! After a long hiatus, the Maple Leafs and Senators are set to face off in a best-of-7 series. The Maple Leafs, led by coach Craig Berube, are looking to capitalize on their regular-season success. Meanwhile, the Senators, under Travis Green, are eager to make a statement with their young core and experienced goaltender Linus Ullmark.
Toronto Maple Leafs:
The Maple Leafs are making their ninth consecutive playoff appearance. Coach Berube has implemented a defensive style that has improved their overall game. Key players include:
Mitch Marner: A versatile player who leads the team in power-play points and contributes in all zones.
Auston Matthews and William Nylander: Elite offensive talents who need to translate their regular-season success to the playoffs.
Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll: A strong goaltending duo that has provided stability in net.
Projected Lineup:
Matthew Knies -- Auston Matthews -- Mitch Marner
Pontus Holmberg -- John Tavares -- William Nylander
Bobby McMann -- Max Domi -- Nicholas Robertson
Steven Lorentz -- Scott Laughton -- Calle Jarnkrok
Ottawa Senators:
The Senators are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Coach Green has focused on making them a more difficult team to play against, with significant improvement in their goals-against record. Key players include:
Brady Tkachuk: The team's inspirational leader, known for his physical play and scoring ability.
Tim Stutzle: A young forward who will be playing in his first postseason.
Linus Ullmark: A game-changing goaltender acquired from Boston, providing much-needed experience.
Projected Lineup:
Brady Tkachuk -- Tim Stutzle -- Claude Giroux
David Perron -- Dylan Cozens -- Drake Batherson
Ridly Greig -- Shane Pinto -- Michael Amadio
Nick Cousins -- Adam Gaudette -- Fabian Zetterlund
The goaltending matchup will be crucial in this series. Anthony Stolarz is expected to start Game 1 for the Maple Leafs, while Linus Ullmark will be in net for the Senators. Ullmark's experience and strong play down the stretch make him a significant asset for Ottawa.
Chris Tanev (Maple Leafs): Set a Toronto single-season record with 189 blocked shots.
Brady Tkachuk (Senators): Led Ottawa in hits with 228.
The series will be broadcast on ESPN2, CBC, SN, and TVAS. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday at Toronto (7 p.m. ET). Streaming options include Max, DirecTV, and Fubo.
Game 1: Sunday, April 20, 7 PM (ESPN2)
Game 2: Tuesday, April 22, 7:30 PM (ESPN2)
Game 3: Thursday, April 24, 7 PM (ESPN2)
Game 4: Saturday, April 26, 7 PM (TBS, truTV, Max)
Tuesday, April 29
Thursday, May 1
Saturday, May 3
Q: When does the series start?
Game 1 is on Sunday, April 20, at 7 PM ET.
Q: Where can I watch the games?
The games will be broadcast on ESPN2, CBC, SN, and TVAS. Streaming options include Max, DirecTV, and Fubo.
Q: Who are the key players to watch?
For the Maple Leafs, watch Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, and William Nylander. For the Senators, keep an eye on Brady Tkachuk and Linus Ullmark.
Q: What is the significance of this series?
This is the first playoff meeting between the Maple Leafs and Senators in over two decades, renewing a heated provincial rivalry.
The Maple Leafs and Senators are set to reignite their rivalry in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Key players like Mitch Marner and Brady Tkachuk will play a crucial role in their teams' success.
Goaltending will be a critical factor, with Linus Ullmark bringing experience to the Senators and Anthony Stolarz leading the Leafs.
Be sure to check local listings for viewing options and game times.
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