Maple Leafs defeat Senators 3-2 in OT, lead series 3-0

Simon Benoit scored the overtime winner to give the Toronto Maple Leafs a 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators and a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round NHL playoff series. Auston Matthews contributed a goal and an assist, while Matthew Knies also scored for Toronto, and Anthony Stolarz made 18 saves. Ottawa's Claude Giroux and Brady Tkachuk each scored, with Giroux opening the scoring on a power play and Tkachuk tying the game late in regulation. Matthews gave Toronto a brief lead early in the third period, but Tkachuk responded to force overtime. The Maple Leafs have won two consecutive overtime games in the series, and Game 4 will be played in Ottawa as the Senators face elimination. The series has been marked by physical play and tight contests, with Toronto's defense limiting Ottawa's opportunities in crucial moments.