Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs Picks and Predictions April 24th 2025

Maple Leafs Closing in on Rare Playoff Series Win Over Senators

The Toronto Maple Leafs are inching toward a milestone that has long eluded them: winning a playoff series with relative ease. With a 2-0 series lead against the Ottawa Senators, Toronto now holds a golden opportunity to solidify their grip on this first-round matchup as Game 3 shifts to Ottawa.

A Long-Awaited Shift in Playoff Fortunes

It’s no secret that playoff success has been scarce for the Maple Leafs over the past two decades. Since 2005-06, they’ve advanced beyond the opening round just once — in the 2022-23 campaign, when they overcame the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games. That ended a near 20-year drought dating back to their last series win in 2003-04, with the 2004-05 season lost to a lockout.

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Now, Toronto appears poised to rewrite the narrative.

“Big win. Obviously, we needed that one,” said Max Domi, who netted the overtime winner in Game 2.

“Got to give Ottawa all the credit in the world, they played a heck of a hockey game. … Big win. On to the next one now.”

Power Play Precision

The Maple Leafs’ power play has been a lethal weapon so far. Toronto converted three of six opportunities in Game 1 and went a perfect 1-for-1 in Game 2, giving them an eye-popping 57.1 percent success rate in the series. Their ability to capitalize with the man advantage is proving to be a decisive edge, especially in tightly contested games.

If you’re keeping an eye on NHL picks, Toronto’s power play consistency and strong start to the series make them an increasingly appealing choice. Check out more detailed NHL picks and get a feel for how analysts are sizing up this surging Leafs squad.

Defensive Commitment on Display

Toronto’s star-studded offense is getting plenty of attention, but it’s their buy-in on defense that’s elevating them this postseason. Through two games, the team has blocked 50 shots — nearly half the amount they recorded during their entire seven-game series last year. Players like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner have embraced the gritty aspects of playoff hockey, registering four and three blocks respectively in Game 2.

“That’s part of playoffs,” said head coach Craig Berube.

“You’ve got to really dig in in those areas. … Guys did a great job of it, and everybody’s got to do it.”

Senators Still in the Fight

Despite falling behind 0-2, the Ottawa Senators aren’t backing down. This marks the franchise’s first postseason action since 2017, and for captain Brady Tkachuk and 11 other players, it’s a brand-new experience. Still, belief remains high in the locker room.

“There’s not one ounce of panic, doubt in this locker room,” said Tkachuk. “Honestly, there’s not one ounce of panic.”

Ottawa has matched Toronto well at 5-on-5, but their sluggish starts have cost them. In both games, the Senators allowed the Maple Leafs to jump out to early 2-0 leads.

Forward Drake Batherson is confident the Senators can shift the momentum in Game 3.

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“I feel like in playoffs, the home team usually comes out pretty hard, and I feel like we’re going to be like that tomorrow,” Batherson said. “We’re going to be confident coming out. It would be nice to get up one early … rather than trailing.”

What’s Next for the Leafs?

Toronto is now in striking distance of advancing with authority, something fans haven’t witnessed in years. If their power play keeps humming and their defensive focus holds firm, the Maple Leafs could take a commanding 3-0 series lead — an outcome that would put them in prime position for a rare and refreshing playoff triumph.