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Maple Leafs Edge Senators in Overtime to Take 2-0 Series Lead

TORONTO – The Toronto Maple Leafs secured a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, overcoming a 2-0 lead that slipped away to take a commanding 2-0 series lead in their first-round playoff matchup.

Max Domi was the hero, scoring the decisive goal just 3:09 into overtime, firing a shot past Ottawa goaltender Linus Ullmark. The offensive effort was also bolstered by John Tavares, who notched a goal and an assist, while Morgan Rielly contributed another score. Anthony Stolarz made an impressive 26 saves in net for Toronto.

The Senators managed to score through Brady Tkachuk and Adam Gaudette, while Ullmark managed 18 saves in the contest. The series now shifts to Ottawa for Games 3 and 4, with the first game set to take place on Thursday at the Canadian Tire Centre.

This marks the first time since 2002 that the Leafs have led a playoff series 2-0, after winning the opening game 6-2.

The Senators, making their playoff return after an eight-year absence, are searching for solutions as they head home. Historically, Toronto has an impressive record of 10-0 in series when winning the first two games at home, highlighting their strong playoff pedigree.

Toronto’s early lead in the game came at 3:43 of the first period, just after Mitch Marner hit the post during a prime scoring opportunity. William Nylander’s centering pass found its way to Rielly, who was charging forward, resulting in his second goal of the series.

Ottawa had several good chances during their first power play, but Stolarz was sharp, making multiple key saves against players like Dylan Cozens and Tkachuk. The Leafs capitalized on their first power play just 18 seconds in when Tavares sent the puck into the crease, which deflected off Ottawa defenseman Nick Jensen into the net at 8:20.

Following a physical sequence involving Stolarz and Senators forward Ridly Greig, Ottawa clawed back into the game. Tkachuk scored on a power play at 15:41 of the second period, cutting the lead in half after the puck ricocheted off Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo’s skate.

Tavares had an opportunity to extend the lead in the third period, but was thwarted by Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson’s timely backcheck. With just over five minutes left in regulation, Gaudette deflected a shot past Stolarz, tying the game and setting the stage for an anxious overtime.

Captains Matchup

This series features a historic angle, as it’s the first instance in NHL history where two Canadian teams with U.S.-born captains—Brady Tkachuk of Ottawa and Auston Matthews of Toronto—have faced each other in the playoffs.

Leafs head coach Craig Berube, who previously won the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, expressed his excitement about the rivalry. “There’s some hatred there, for sure,” he said with a smile, highlighting the intensity of the Battle of Ontario.

As the series continues, both teams will need to adapt and respond to the pressure, with the stakes getting higher as they compete for a chance at postseason glory.

Source
globalnews.ca