Senators Edge Maple Leafs 4-3 in OT, Force Game 5

The Ottawa Senators kept their playoff hopes alive with a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference First Round. Jake Sanderson emerged as the hero, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime and contributing an assist, while Ottawa's penalty-kill unit played a crucial role by neutralizing a four-minute Toronto power play in overtime. Ottawa capitalized on special teams, netting both a power-play and a shorthanded goal, reversing the Leafs' previous dominance in these situations. Despite a strong start and late efforts from Toronto, including goals from John Tavares, Matthew Knies, and a tying goal by Oliver Ekman-Larsson, the Leafs were unable to complete a series sweep. Ottawa goalie Linus Ullmark stood out with 31 saves, and the Senators now have momentum as the series returns to Toronto for Game 5. Although Toronto still leads the series 3-1, Ottawa's resilient performance has added new intrigue to the Battle of Ontario.