2025 Playoffs Round 1, Game 6 Hub: Toronto Maple Leafs @ Ottawa Senators

On Saturday night, Ottawa Senators fans were watching Game 4 mostly because they felt like they had to—the team was in the playoffs for the first time in eight years, and it felt pointless not to watch a game despite being down 3-0 in the series. A potential win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 4 was more about not getting swept at home to a hated rival rather than trying to actually come all the way back from a 3-0 series deficit, but after a heroic 4-3 overtime win on Saturday and a convincing 4-0 win in Toronto on Tuesday, we have a series all of a sudden.

The odds are still against the Senators' favour as it's not easy winning back-to-back games in the playoffs on the brink of elimination, but plenty of teams do it. Considering how Maple Leafs fans are reacting about potentially blowing yet another playoff series, it gives Senators fans even more hope that they could actually be the fifth NHL team of all-time to come back from a 3-0 series deficit. It started with one win on Saturday, then they needed a gutsy performance in Toronto, and now they are back in their friendly confines of the Canadian Tire Centre with a real chance at sending this to a decisive Game 7.

It should be a fun one, I can't wait to see the crowd there. Here are the projected lines for the Leafs:

The Senators had an optional skate today and will most likely go with the same lineup from Game 5, which was:

Game Notes:

• Ullmark has a .952 SV% in the last two games and has looked much more comfortable. He has the ability to steal games, and he was the main reason for their victory in Game 5. It's not solely up to him, but he could be the difference positively or negatively.
• Max Pacioretty moves up to the 2nd line, with Bobby McMann and Max Domi moving to the 4th. So much for not needing to make panic moves.
• I'm sure we all know the stat by now, but it's fun to share anyway: the Maple Leafs are 1-13 in potential series-clinching games in the Matthews/Marner/Nylander era. Let's make it 1-15 by Saturday.
• Almost every player on the Senators has had moments of greatness this series, which is nice to see. Not all of them have been consistently great, but they have 11 different goal scorers and 14 different players with points, so I like that everyone seems to be on board and contributing.
• I noticed that the Senators' sticks were much more active and in lanes when Toronto was shooting and passing last game, which led to a lot of frustration for the Maple Leafs and some big plays for the Senators. With each playoff game they get under their belt, they're learning the right ways to play.
• Here is what Brady Tkachuk had to say about the fans tonight, and I hope he's right:

• The overwhelming theme with the Senators players seems to be growing confidence. You can listen to their Wednesday afternoons about it here.
• There will be a large screen outside the CTC in the Red Zone for fans to watch the game as well, which is fantastic for people who weren't able to get tickets.
• Lastly, if this doesn't pump you up, I don't know what will:

Where to watch/listen: CBC, TVAS, TSN1200 @ 7PM EST