Battle of Ontario Begins: Leafs Host Senators in Playoff Showdown

The Battle of Ontario, the storied hockey rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, has been reignited as the teams face off in the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Both fanbases are energized, recalling the intense, physical series of the early 2000s that helped define the rivalry's legacy. Players and coaches from both teams acknowledge the heightened stakes and emotional atmosphere, with Toronto historically dominating past playoff meetings but Ottawa now eager to shift the narrative. Senators players and staff emphasize using the excitement to their advantage, while the Leafs are preparing for a tough and physical contest, drawing on the franchise's history and past playoff battles. The renewed rivalry brings together tradition, competitive spirit, and personal stories, with current players eager to carve out their own place in the rivalry's lore. The series is expected to be fiercely contested, with both teams aiming to advance and add a new chapter to this celebrated Canadian hockey feud.