Toronto Maple Leafs seize 3-0 series lead over Ottawa Senators

The Toronto Maple Leafs have taken a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round NHL playoff series against the Ottawa Senators, winning two consecutive games in overtime. Game 3 saw Ottawa's Claude Giroux break a lengthy playoff goal drought, giving the Senators their first lead of the series with a 5-on-3 powerplay goal, but the Leafs responded with goals from Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews. Senators captain Brady Tkachuk tied the game in the third period, sending it to overtime for a second straight contest. Ultimately, Simon Benoit scored the overtime winner for Toronto, following Max Domi's OT heroics in Game 2. Despite the close games and Ottawa's resilience, the Leafs' high-end skill and timely contributions from key players have been decisive so far. The Senators now face elimination in Game 4, needing to reverse the momentum to stay alive in the series.