The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena tonight at 7:00 PM ET for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series. Toronto leads the series 3-1 and aims to close it out at home, while Ottawa looks to force a Game 6.

 

Recent Performance

Toronto Maple Leafs (3–1 Series Lead)
Toronto took the first three games of the series, including a 3-2 overtime victory in Game 3, with defenseman Simon Benoit scoring the game winning goal. However, the Leafs fell 4-3 in overtime in Game 4, missing the chance to sweep the series.

 

Ottawa Senators (1–3 Series Deficit)
The Senators avoided elimination with a 4-3 overtime win in Game 4. Jake Sanderson earned the game’s first star with an assist and strong defensive play, while captain Brady Tkachuk extended his point streak.

 

Team Records and Trends

Toronto Maple Leafs

• Home Record: 2–0 in this series
• Power Play: 38.5%
• Penalty Kill: 72.7%
• Record vs. OTT (this year): 3-4

 

Ottawa Senators

• Road Record: 0–2 in this series
• Power Play: 15.0%
• Penalty Kill: 75.0%
• Record vs. TOR (this year): 4-3

 

Key Players to Watch

Toronto Maple Leafs

• Mitch Marner – Marner has been instrumental in Toronto’s offensive success this postseason. In four games, he has accumulated 1 goal and 6 assists, totaling 7 points and sitting at a +4. His vision and playmaking have been pivotal, especially on the power play, where he has contributed significantly to the team’s 38.5% success rate. ​
• Matthew Knies – The young forward has been impressive with 3 goals in four games, including a clutch game-winner in Game 2. Knies has a combination of size, speed, and puck protection that has molded him into a difficult matchup for the Senators defense, and he continues to gain confidence with each outing.
  

 

Ottawa Senators

• Brady Tkachuk – The Senators captain has been a consistent offensive force, with 2 goals and 1 assist in the series. His physical play and leadership have been vital in energizing the team, particularly in their Game 4 overtime victory. ​
• Claude Giroux – Giroux has contributed 1 goal and 2 assists in the series. His experience and skill in faceoffs have provided the Senators with valuable possession time, aiding in their offensive setups when moving down the ice. ​
  
  
  

Injury Report

Toronto Maple Leafs

• Jani Hakanpää – IR
  
  

Ottawa Senators

• Hayden Hodgson – Out

 

Goaltending Matchup

Toronto Maple Leafs

• Anthony Stolarz – Expected starter. Has been solid throughout the series, with key saves in critical moments. He has a record of 3-1-0 in 4 games with a goals against average of 2.29 and a save percentage of .902 in the 2025 playoffs.

 

Ottawa Senators

• Linus Ullmark – Expected starter. After early struggles, he rebounded in Game 4 to help secure the overtime victory. He has a 1-3-0 record in 4 games with a goals against average of 3.44 and a save percentage of .848 in the 2025 playoffs.

 

Game Outlook

The Maple Leafs aim to capitalize on home-ice advantage to close out the series, relying on their offensive depth with key scoring and solid goaltending. The Senators, buoyed by their Game 4 overtime win, look to extend the series and shift momentum in their favor in order to continue their post season. Expect a high-intensity matchup as both teams will battle for control early.

 

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