Domi scores in OT, Maple Leafs top Senators 3-2 to grab lead in Battle of Ontario
In a thrilling overtime finish, Max Domi scored at 3:09 of the extra period to give the Toronto Maple Leafs a 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series. The win puts the Leafs up 2-0 in the series as they head to Ottawa for Games 3 and 4 at the Canadian Tire Centre.
The game started with John Tavares and Morgan Rielly providing the offense for Toronto, giving them an early 2-0 lead. Tavares contributed a goal and an assist, while Rielly scored his second goal of the series. Anthony Stolarz made 26 saves in net for the Leafs.
However, the Senators fought back with goals from Brady Tkachuk and Adam Gaudette to tie the game at 2-2. Despite the blown lead, Domi’s overtime heroics secured the victory for Toronto.
The Battle of Ontario now shifts to Ottawa, where the Senators will look to bounce back and even the series on home ice. For the Leafs, this is their first 2-0 series lead since 2002, showcasing their strong start to the playoffs.
The game was not without its share of drama, with both teams trading chances and momentum throughout. Ottawa had opportunities on the power play, but Stolarz stood tall in net to keep the Leafs in the game.
The series also marks a historic matchup between two Canadian teams with U.S.-born captains in Tkachuk and Auston Matthews. The intensity and rivalry between the two clubs adds an extra layer of excitement to the playoff showdown.
Leafs head coach Craig Berube, a Stanley Cup champion with the St. Louis Blues, expressed his thoughts on the Battle of Ontario, highlighting the intensity and rivalry between the two teams. As the series shifts to Ottawa, both teams will be looking to gain the upper hand and take control as they continue their quest for playoff success.
