{"id":467087,"date":"2025-04-20T09:28:46","date_gmt":"2025-04-20T13:28:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=467087"},"modified":"2025-04-20T10:52:57","modified_gmt":"2025-04-20T14:52:57","slug":"game-1-ottawa-senators-at-toronto-maple-leafs-nhl-predictions-playoffs-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/04\/20\/game-1-ottawa-senators-at-toronto-maple-leafs-nhl-predictions-playoffs-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"Game 1 Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Predictions Playoffs Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"

We’ve been waiting for over 20 years for the return of the Battle of Ontario, <\/em>the playoff version. For this edition of NHL Predictions, presented by us here at Last Word on Hockey<\/em>, that long anticipated wait is finally over. The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs get going for the Ottawa Senators<\/a> and the Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> today, on Easter Sunday. Be sure to keep up with this series and all the action around the league as our writers cover all the series. But enough of all that, who’s showing they got more out of their Easter Egg basket and taking Game 1, Maple Leafs or Senators?<\/p>\n

NHL Predictions: Ottawa Senators, from the Scotiabank Arena, in Toronto, Ontario<\/h3>\n

TV:<\/strong> CBC, Sportsnet, TVA Sports, ESPN2<\/p>\n

7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n

2024-25 Regular Season Series:<\/strong> Ottawa 3 – Toronto 0.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

We already discussed the series as a whole, but who’s going to take Game 1<\/a>? Will Tim Stutzle<\/a> be buzzing and helping power the Sens attack? Alternatively, will the Leafs top defensive pairing be shutting down the Sens stars from shining? Let’s get into it and try to decipher who prevails in Game 1 of the Battle of Ontario<\/em>.<\/p>\n

One take for Game 1 in our NHL Predictions, and that would naturally hold true for the entire series, is containing Auston Matthews<\/a>. As head coach Travis Green<\/a> tries to gameplan for the Leafs<\/a>, Matthews is a big part of that equation. Moreover, this effect will be magnified in the first game, when the energy level is on full. You know he’s going to get his chances, and points too. For the Sens, they need to learn to remain calm and not let mental mistakes invade their actions. They need to block out the crazed Leaf fans and try to take the wind out of their sails. In this way, keeping the Scotiabank Arena as quiet as possible, as much as possible.<\/p>\n

So, just how would the Ottawa Senators possibly be able to accomplish that tall task? The Sens, similar to the Leafs, are both very healthy. This identifies as a difference of the two rosters. The Leafs are able to sit capable performers and work the matchup game. For game one, we are expecting no Max Pacioretty<\/a>, Philippe Myers<\/a>, David Kampf<\/a>, or recent call up, Ryan Reaves<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Leafs Ice Chips from @markhmasters<\/a> – Domi sticks with Tavares, Nylander as Game 1 lineup comes into focus: https:\/\/t.co\/DNPF5Jcfpp<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/91n6e9GVjW<\/a><\/p>\n

— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) April 19, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n