The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured their place in the second round of the playoffs after a hard-fought 4-2 victory against the Ottawa Senators, clinching the first round series 4-2. The game was marked by standout performances from William Nylander, who scored twice and added an assist, and Max Pacioretty, who netted the decisive goal late in the third period. Toronto, despite a shaky series after leading 3-0, demonstrated resilience by overcoming the Senators, who had threatened to make a historic comeback.

Toronto’s victory comes after they had previously struggled in series-clinching games, with a 2-13 record since 2018. The win not only boosts their confidence heading into the second round against the Florida Panthers but also signals a potential shift in their playoff narrative. Meanwhile, the Senators showcased determination in their first playoff appearance since 2017, with notable contributions from Brady Tkachuk and David Perron. This series marks a significant stride forward for Ottawa, despite falling short against their provincial rivals.