Tomorrow night, the Toronto Maple Leafs open their postseason against their provincial rivals, the Ottawa Senators, in what promises to be a hard-hitting, emotionally charged series. Some Maple Leafs players have even called it a potential “bloodbath”—maybe a bit dramatic, but (maybe) not far off.
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With both teams ranking among the league leaders in hits, this Battle of Ontario could come down to sheer endurance. In this physical matchup, the last team standing might have the most bodies left on the ice.
Item One: The Battle of Ontario Is Back — and It Might Be Better Than Ever
After years of waiting, the Battle of Ontario returns to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2004—and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Maple Leafs are riding high after capturing their first Atlantic Division title, while the Senators are back in the postseason after a seven-year drought. This matchup revives one of hockey’s fiercest provincial rivalries, with history, hatred, and high drama guaranteed from puck drop.
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This series has all the ingredients of a classic: star power on both sides, physicality, and even a bit of goaltending intrigue. The Maple Leafs bring the offensive firepower with Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and William Nylander, while Ottawa counters with Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, and rising star Jake Sanderson.
Both teams rank in the top ten for hits, setting the stage for a gritty, intense showdown. With Linus Ullmark (.910 save percentage) and Anthony Stolarz (.926 save percentage) guarding the creases, don’t be surprised if goaltending steals the spotlight. Oh, and by the way—Ottawa swept the regular-season series 3–0.
Item Two: Why the Maple Leafs Can’t Afford to Underestimate the Senators
While Toronto enters as the Atlantic Division champion, they’d be wise not to overlook an Ottawa team that’s hungrier—and more dangerous—than many expected. Here are a few key reasons the Maple Leafs should be on high alert heading into this first-round showdown.
First, under first-year head coach Travis Green, the Senators have completely reshaped their style of play. Maple Leafs general manager Brad…
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