Leafs, Senators Renew Rivalry in Playoff Series

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators will meet in the first round of the 2025 NHL playoffs for their first postseason clash since 2004, reigniting the 'Battle of Ontario.' Toronto, the Atlantic Division champions, are favored but cautious after Ottawa, led by captain Brady Tkachuk and veteran Claude Giroux, clinched a wild-card spot and swept the regular-season series. Both teams enter the playoffs after comeback wins in their regular-season finales. The Maple Leafs, powered by Auston Matthews and John Tavares, seek only their second series win in the salary cap era. Ottawa, coached by Travis Green, returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The series promises drama and intensity, fueled by passionate fan bases and high city pride.