NHL Playoffs Begin; Senators Face Maple Leafs

The much-anticipated Stanley Cup Playoff series between the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs promises high stakes and excitement, marking their first postseason clash in 21 years. Both teams enter the playoffs in strong form after surging late in the regular season, with Toronto holding a slight edge due to their experience, recent division title, and star-studded lineup, while Ottawa's defense, led by Jake Sanderson, is seen as underrated. Goaltending has stabilized for both teams, with Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll performing well for Toronto and Linus Ullmark providing a steady presence for Ottawa. Betting odds favor the Maple Leafs, but analysts suggest the gap between the teams may be narrower than it appears, especially given Ottawa's momentum and defensive capabilities. William Nylander is highlighted as a key player for Toronto, particularly effective at home and against Ottawa, suggesting he may play a significant role in the series opener. Overall, while Toronto is the favorite, Ottawa's recent performance and strengths on defense could make this matchup more competitive than expected.