Leafs Oust Senators in Game 6 to Advance: Rivalry Reignited, Panthers Await
The Toronto Maple Leafs are moving on. With a determined 4–2 win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night, the Leafs closed out their first-round series 4–2 and set the stage for a rematch against the Florida Panthers in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
It was a night that brought intensity, high stakes, and a dose of playoff drama to Canadian Tire Centre — a fitting stage for a revival of the classic Battle of Ontario.
Nylander Leads the Way
Toronto came out with purpose, and William Nylander led the charge. The winger was electric from the drop of the puck, notching two goals and an assist, including the game’s opening tally that quieted the Ottawa crowd early. His performance added another standout entry to what’s shaping up to be a career-defining postseason.
Veteran forward Max Pacioretty played the hero late in the third period, snapping home the go-ahead goal off a rebound with just over five minutes left. That strike ultimately stood as the game-winner, shifting momentum firmly in Toronto’s favor.
Between the pipes, Anthony Stolarz turned aside 20 shots and provided a calm presence in net. With regular starter Ilya Samsonov unavailable, Stolarz’s reliability has become a quietly important storyline in Toronto’s playoff run.
Senators Fight, but Fall Short
Ottawa didn’t go down without a fight. Goals from Tim Stützle and Shane Pinto kept things close into the third, and for stretches, the Senators dictated the pace. But defensive breakdowns and missed opportunities in front of the net proved costly. Despite pushing to extend the series, Ottawa couldn’t crack Toronto’s defense when it mattered most.
What This Means for Toronto
The win marks Toronto’s first playoff series triumph over Ottawa since 2004 and breathes new life into a historic rivalry. More importantly, it pushes this Leafs core — long scrutinized for early exits — one step closer to breaking through.
Now, they face the Florida Panthers, the team that bounced them in the second-round last year. The upcoming series carries both a shot at revenge and a chance to prove this group can take that elusive next step toward Stanley Cup contention.
Ottawa’s Takeaway
For the Senators, this season ends with both disappointment and optimism. Their young core has clearly grown, and playoff exposure was a crucial step. However, questions remain — particularly on the blue line — and management will need to make key offseason moves if Ottawa hopes to take the leap in 2026.
🎥 Watch the Game 6 Highlights
