Maple Leafs Start Stolarz in Playoff Opener Against Senators

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators are set to renew their intense 'Battle of Ontario' rivalry in the first round of the NHL playoffs, marking their first postseason meeting in over two decades. Toronto enters the series with momentum, having finished the regular season atop the Atlantic Division and posting a strong 9-1-0 record in their last ten games, while Ottawa has also performed well recently. Anthony Stolarz will start his first playoff game as goalie for the Maple Leafs after an impressive season, providing stability alongside Joseph Woll. Historically, Toronto has dominated the rivalry, winning all four prior playoff series between the teams from 2000 to 2004, which has fueled tensions and passionate fan engagement on both sides. This year, efforts have been made by the Senators' organization to ensure strong home support and limit Maple Leafs fans' influence in Ottawa. Both teams feature key performers, with Toronto's William Nylander and Ottawa's Brady Tkachuk expected to play pivotal roles in the series.