Oliver Ekman-Larsson returns to the Toronto Maple Leafs' lineup just in time for the playoffs, ready to face the Ottawa Senators in Game 1. After missing the last four regular-season games due to an undisclosed injury, his presence is expected to bolster a Leafs team eager for postseason success. Coach Craig Berube praised Ekman-Larsson's versatility, noting his importance in multiple situations including power play and penalty kill.

Having recently won the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, Ekman-Larsson brings valuable experience to a franchise that has struggled historically in the playoffs. The team aims to break an eight-year streak of first-round exits and their matchup against Ottawa marks the first playoff Battle of Ontario since 2004. With players like Jake McCabe returning alongside Ekman-Larsson, the Leafs are poised to make a strong statement in their quest for the Cup.

The Toronto Maple Leafs finished their regular season on a high note with a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings during a game that held no playoff implications. Auston Matthews opened the scoring with his 33rd goal of the season, but the Red Wings quickly equalized. After trailing 3-1, the Leafs rallied in the third period, with Philippe Myers and Chris Tanev scoring to push the game into overtime. Scott Laughton sealed the win just 56 seconds into OT, showcasing the depth of the squad as they prepare for an intense playoff series against the Ottawa Senators. Matthews emphasized the significance of the upcoming “Battle of Ontario,” indicating the intensity and rivalry that awaits.

The Toronto Maple Leafs finished the regular season on a high note, overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the Detroit Red Wings for a thrilling 4-3 victory. This sets the stage for their upcoming playoff series against the Ottawa Senators, marking the first playoff Battle of Ontario in over two decades. With a strong finish, winning five consecutive games, the Leafs are primed for a playoff run, led by captain Auston Matthews and defender Chris Tanev, who both expressed confidence in the team’s abilities.

Coach Craig Berube praised the team's resilience and emphasized the importance of remaining healthy as they transition into the playoffs. The intensity of the last game was felt by players who acknowledged its unique atmosphere, likening it to a pre-season matchup. As the Leafs gear up to break their long-standing championship drought, anticipation builds around their potential to win a playoff series for only the second time in the salary-cap era, with significant contributions expected from new acquisitions like Scott Laughton.

Scott Laughton's overtime goal propelled the Toronto Maple Leafs to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings in their regular-season finale. The Maple Leafs, led by Auston Matthews and Philippe Myers, secured the Atlantic Division title, setting the stage for their upcoming playoff run against the Ottawa Senators. Notably, Joseph Woll delivered a solid performance, stopping 30 shots, while Mitch Marner contributed with two assists. Toronto rallied from a 3-1 deficit, thanks to Chris Tanev's last-second equalizer.

The Detroit Red Wings ended their season in a disappointing fashion, allowing a late equalizer and falling to the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 in overtime. Despite a promising 3-1 lead entering the third period, the Wings couldn't hold on, illustrating their struggles in tight matches. Alex DeBrincat scored his 39th goal of the season, while Chris Tanev's equalizer with just 1.8 seconds left forced overtime, where Scott Laughton sealed the victory for Toronto. With this result, Detroit concluded their season with a record of 39-35-8, missing the playoffs after a commendable 3-0-1 run leading up to their last game.