Mar 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Scott Laughton (24) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Scott Laughton is ready for the revival of the Battle of Ontario.

It’s been more than two decades since the last playoff matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators, and for Laughton, it’s a chance to step into the rivalry he grew up watching.

"I watched the highlight pack yesterday. I remember watching guys like Darcy Tucker, Shayne Corson and all those guys. That was kind of my era of hockey, and I thought it was the best era of hockey. It was amazing, so really excited to get going,” said Laughton post-game on Thursday.

Originally from Oakville, Ont., Laughton watched the Leafs defeat the Senators four consecutive postseasons in a row from 2000-04. Now, he’ll be on the ice for the first playoff Battle of Ontario in 21 years.

'It's Going To Be An Absolute War': Maple Leafs Prepare For Intense Battle Of Ontario Playoffs Series Against Senators John Tavares has fond memories of watching the Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Ottawa Senators in the early 2000s.  

The Maple Leafs clinched the Atlantic Division title on Tuesday night with a 4-0 win over the Buffalo Sabres, locking in a first-round series against Ottawa and home-ice advantage. The best-of-seven begins Sunday night in Toronto, and for Laughton, it couldn’t come at a better time for the 30-year-old.

"You see the buzz and how much people care here, and that’s what you want in a franchise and to go to battle for. So, yeah, it’s an exciting time. I haven’t played playoff hockey in a while, this is big for me," said Laughton.

Maple Leafs' First-Round Playoff Scheduled Against Senators Revealed The first Battle of Ontario in the postseason since 2004 will begin on Sunday in Toronto.

Laughton’s last playoff appearance came during the 2019-20 shortened season with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he posted five goals, four assists, and nine points in 15 games. In total, he’s played in 24 career postseason games, all with the Flyers, putting up six goals and 10 points across three separate Stanley Cup Playoff runs.

This year, after arriving in Toronto via trade on March 7, Laughton has been working to find his footing. His numbers don’t jump off the page with two goals and two assists in 20 games, but his play has started to come around at just the right time. He finished the regular season on a two-game point streak, including an assist in Tuesday’s division-clinching win and an overtime game-winner against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday.

“Before, if you go back to three games now, I think he's really come around for us,” head coach Craig Berube explained after the win. “I thought in Buffalo he was excellent, but before that, he was even playing good hockey. Got some chemistry going with those guys. Starting to feel a lot more comfortable. I was happy for him to get that goal in OT. Obviously, if you score a goal, you feel good about yourself. But it's not the goal so much as how he's playing the game.”

‘He’s Overthinking Things Instead Of Just Playing’: Scott Laughton Remains Pointless With Maple Leafs, Craig Berube Urges Forward To ‘Loosen Up’ The Toronto Maple Leafs have begun to find their stride, securing back-to-back victories over the Calgary Flames and the Colorado Avalanche. However, one player in particular remains stuck in a slump – newly acquired Scott Laughton, who has yet to register a point in six games with the Leafs and continues to struggle to find his place in his hometown.

With the Leafs resting their normal starters in the extra frame, Laughton took advantage of the opportunity.

“I let them know that I was ready,” said Laughton of his overtime goal.

It’s exactly the kind of confidence and momentum the Leafs are hoping carries over into the postseason – and the vision they had when they acquired the 12-year NHL veteran.

Toronto closed out the regular season with five straight wins, including Thursday’s 4-3 comeback victory against Detroit after trailing 3-1 in the third period. They finished with 108 points, fourth-most in the NHL.

“It was nice, I think, to get out in overtime and the season on a high note, I think, is big. We found a way to come back, Taney scores us a big one, and we found a way. So now the real fun starts, and it's exciting to get some rest here and get prepared for a really good series,” said Laughton.

For Laughton, who hasn’t had many chances to chase a Stanley Cup, this is a golden opportunity. Now playing for his hometown Maple Leafs, the forward has the chance to write his own chapter.

Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

‘That Was Kind Of My Era Of Hockey’: Scott Laughton Ready To Write His Own Chapter With Maple Leafs In Battle Of Ontario Revival