Overview
- Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first-round series between the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs begins Sunday, marking the first playoff Battle of Ontario since 2004.
- Ottawa ended an eight-year playoff drought to secure a wild-card spot, with several players, including Tim Stutzle and Shane Pinto, making their postseason debuts.
- Toronto has made nine consecutive playoff appearances but advanced past the first round only once during that span, intensifying pressure on the team.
- Anthony Stolarz will start in goal for the Maple Leafs, marking his first NHL playoff start after a strong regular season performance.
- Key lineup updates include Toronto confirming Jake McCabe will play Game 1, while Oliver Ekman-Larsson remains a game-day decision.