In a dramatic back-and-forth battle, the Ottawa Senators staved off elimination Saturday night with a thrilling 4–3 overtime victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 4. The win, sparked by a long-range wrist shot from defenseman Jake Sanderson, kept Ottawa’s postseason hopes alive and set the stage for a crucial Game 5 back in Toronto.
Related: 3 Takeaways From the Maple Leafs’ 4-3 OT Loss to the Senators
Sanderson’s game-winner at 17:42 of overtime—launched from the left boards—sailed through heavy traffic and found the top-right corner, beating Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz. The win marked Ottawa’s first playoff win since the 2017 Eastern Conference Final, and it came dramatically after two straight overtime losses in Games 2 and 3. It was a missed chance for the Maple Leafs to grab their first playoff sweep since eliminating Ottawa in 2001. With the series now 3-1, the action shifts back to Toronto for a pivotal Game 5.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s goal kept the Maple Leafs in Game 4, when he blasted home a third-period equalizer off a slick cross-ice feed from William Nylander. The one-timer—his second postseason goal—brought the Maple Leafs level at 3-3 late in regulation and showed exactly why the veteran defenseman remains such a valuable presence on the back end.
Now four games into the playoffs, Ekman-Larsson has two goals on six shots and continues to log big minutes while anchoring the blue line. Coming off a 29-point regular season and a Stanley Cup win last year, his combination of experience and offensive upside gives the Maple Leafs exactly the kind of steady leadership they’ll need if they plan to make a deep run. His calm approach and big shot are a huge part of Toronto’s playoff push.
Item Two: John Tavares Tips Home Third Goal in Four Games
John Tavares continues to lead by example in the 2025 postseason, scoring his third goal in four games during Saturday’s 4–3 overtime loss. The veteran forward now has five points in the series and is riding the momentum of a strong 74-point regular season into the playoff spotlight. His goal late in the first period helped bring the Maple Leafs back into the game after falling behind early. He’s been a steady producer during the postseason.
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