Apr 17, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev (8) scores a goal and celebrates with right wing Pontus Holmberg (29) against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs aren't changing much ahead of Game 1 on Sunday against the Ottawa Senators.

As players filed onto the ice for Saturday's practice inside Ford Performance Centre, Max Domi remained in a blue sweater, almost confirming he was staying alongside John Tavares and William Nylander in Toronto's top six.

That, alone, was the biggest surprise of practice, only because the team has plenty of options to play with Tavares and Nylander.

But head coach Craig Berube is sticking with what's worked most recently — unless he opts to ice a different lineup as the players step onto the ice for Game 1 on Sunday.

With reading between the lines on Saturday, though, it doesn't appear that it will happen.

"I think they’ve earned that and played extremely well down the stretch here," he said of the forward lines, before throwing in the mysterious, "But we’ll see tomorrow."

Jake McCabe and Oliver Ekman-Larsson practiced in their regular spots on Toronto's second and third pairings. McCabe said he's "ready to rock" for Game 1 against Ottawa.

Ekman-Larsson, with a smile, said, "Felt good the last couple days, so we'll see tomorrow."

Berube expressed the same about the two players: "Caber’s good to go. OEL, I think, we’ll see how he is tomorrow." However, when asked whether there'd be rust given McCabe's been out since Apr. 2, Toronto's head coach referenced both defensemen.

"Well, it’s good they practiced today," Berube said. "I believe that’s important to have a full practice with us as a team. I think they’ll be fine."

Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll practiced with the team before Game 1. With how Stolarz has played down the stretch (eight wins in as many games with three shutouts and a .950 save percentage), he's the projected number one going into the playoffs.

Berube didn't confirm or deny Stolarz as the Game 1 starter. He did, however, reference how Stolarz's experience in Florida last season behind Sergei Bobrovsky was vital for this time of year.

"He didn’t start, but he has experience of being there and seeing it," said Berube. "He’s had a great year, like both of our goalies. He’s played extremely well this year, so he’s ready to go."

‘He’s Ready To Go’: Craig Berube All But Confirms Maple Leafs Goaltender Anthony Stolarz As Game 1 Starter Ahead Of Battle Of Ontario The Toronto Maple Leafs held their first full skate of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Saturday, a day before the puck drops for Game 1 against the Ottawa Senators. While head coach Craig Berube didn’t officially name his starting goaltender for Game 1, his words left little doubt, with all signs pointing to Anthony Stolarz getting the nod. 

Max Pacioretty and David Kampf have been out with injuries but will be available for the series. We likely won't see them in Game 1 against Ottawa, though they could join the lineup later.

Pacioretty, in particular, has a wealth of experience in the postseason and will bring value if, and when, they use him against Ottawa.

"He's definitely in the conversation all the time," Berube said of Pacioretty. "I mean, but I like the way our team played down the stretch here. So right now in my head, I'm thinking of keeping it the same, but I can make a change by tomorrow."

The Battle of Ontario begins on Sunday. Senators head coach Travis Green hinted that the lineup could change entering the first game of the series, so we'll see if that remains true.

With Berube doing the same, it makes for a fascinating start to what's going to be an entertaining series.

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'We'll See Tomorrow': Maple Leafs Reveal Lineup For Game 1 Against Senators, But Could It Change?