The Toronto Maple Leafs earned a 6-2 victory on Sunday to take a 1-0 series lead over the Ottawa Senators in the opening round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday.
For the Leafs, Game 1 was a display of control, as they held the lead from 12:51 in the first period and never looked back, responding quickly to any chances Ottawa had to mount a comeback. Toronto is looking to repeat its performance in Tuesday’s Game 2 to take a 2-0 series lead in the postseason for the first time since 2002. In doing so, the club would maintain home-ice advantage in the first round, winning both games at Scotiabank Arena before the series shifts to Ottawa for Games 3 and 4 on Thursday and Saturday.
Though coming out on top in Game 1, defenseman Chris Tanev says the Leafs can still make improvements, and that’s something they’ll keep internal. The 35-year-old, who logged 18:09 of time on ice in Game 1, kept the specifics of the Leafs’ adjustments under wraps, emphasizing the team knows what they need to do better for another successful outcome.
“We’ve talked about that, and we don’t want to tell them what we’re trying to do,” Tanev said after Tuesday’s optional skate. “There are areas that we can get better at, there are areas we played well in and what we’ve talked about, as I’ve said before, what we want to do. Hopefully, we’re able to bring that forward tonight.”
'He Made Big Saves': How Anthony Stolarz Won Game 1 Of The Goalie Battle Against Senators' Linus Ullmark
Anthony Stolarz showed up and showed out against the Ottawa Senators in Game 1 of the Battle of Ontario, which the Toronto Maple Leafs won commandingly, 6-2.
Tanev also noted that the Senators are expected to come out with their best effort in Game 2, perhaps their most determined of the season, in which Toronto will need to match Ottawa’s intensity and execution.
“We’ve talked about what we need to do better, what we did well, and make those adjustments going into tonight’s game, because we expect them to play a really good game and play their best game of the season,” said Tanev. “So, we have to be able to match their execution, discipline, and intensity.”
There is an advantageous opportunity for the Leafs in Game 2, but it’s especially difficult to win that second game after a dominant first, with the opposition needing to split the series on the road.
So, how can the Leafs stay present?
Ahead of Game 1, the 15-year veteran defenseman said the club were to stick to the game plan, maintain confidence, stick to the process, and stay composed.
That doesn’t change on Tuesday.
“We’re just going to have the same mindset as we had going into Game 1,” said Tanev. “We’re focused on one game at a time. We’re not looking back into the past or looking into the future, we need to stay present, be together, be confident, and play our game.”
‘They’re Going To Be Ready To Go’: Chris Tanev, Maple Leafs Preparing For High-Intensity Battle Of Ontario Matchup Against Senators
It’s been more than two decades since the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators squared off in a Stanley Cup Playoff series. But on Sunday night, that changes, as the rivalry is renewed in the latest edition of the Battle of Ontario.
The defenseman’s mentality emphasizes the need to stay grounded and keep control of the momentum.
The Leafs have been on the other side of playoff disappointment in recent years, and they understand that even with a strong performance in Game 1, the series is far from over. Instead, it’s about executing a plan they believe will work, without revealing too much to the Senators. As Tanev said, the team knows there are necessary adjustments to be made, but they also know that the best course of action is to keep those tweaks under wraps.
'That's What You Have To Do At This Time Of Year': Matthew Knies' Play In Game 1 Against Senators Highlights His Value To Maple Leafs
Matthew Knies is the definition of a playoff performer with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“There are always games within the game, especially when you’re playing seven games against a team,” Tanev explained. “Playing against the same guys over and over again, as I said, we’re not focused on what’s being said outside of this room. We know what we did well last game, we know what we want to improve on, and it’s up to us to carry that forward tonight.”
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.