When it comes to intense NHL rivalries, few matchups stir up emotion like the Battle of Ontario. And in 2025, it’s back — and bigger than ever — with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators set to clash in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Leafs locked up first place in the Atlantic Division after a win against the Buffalo Sabres, while the Senators secured the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Now, these two long-time rivals are ready to write a new chapter in their fiery history.
A Rivalry That Runs Deep
The Battle of Ontario began when the Senators rejoined the NHL in 1992, but the real sparks flew starting in the 1999-2000 season. That year, Toronto knocked Ottawa out of the playoffs in six games. It was the first of four playoff series between the teams — all won by the Maple Leafs.
Since then, fans in both cities have eagerly awaited a rematch. This year, they finally get it, and it comes with a fresh twist: a new generation of talent ready to carry the rivalry forward.
Leafs Ready for a Fight
Toronto’s bench boss Craig Berube knows Ottawa won’t be easy. Speaking on Friday, he praised the Senators for their growth and resilience this season.
“They’ve made a push to be where they are,” said Berube. “They’re a strong young team. It’s going to be a battle.”
Leafs captain Auston Matthews echoed that excitement, saying the matchup is not just good for the players, but for hockey fans in general.
“They’re a hungry team,” Matthews said. “They’ve taken a lot of steps, and it’s going to be fun, intense, and really great for the sport.”
Senators Return to Playoffs With a Vengeance
Ottawa is back in the playoffs after years of rebuilding. And leading the charge is captain Brady Tkachuk, who will be playing in his first NHL playoff series since being drafted in 2018. Known for his high-energy, physical game, Brady is expected to bring serious firepower.
Even his older brother, Matthew Tkachuk — a Stanley Cup winner with Florida — believes Brady could be a major problem for the Leafs’ defence.
“He’s going to have a lot of built-up anger,” Matthew said. “Brady at his best is tough to play against. He’s physical, skilled, and emotional. It’s going to be a real challenge.”
Players Feel the Weight of History
Many of the current Leafs were just kids when the rivalry hit its peak in the early 2000s. Now, they’re a part of the story themselves.
Leafs winger Steven Lorentz is one of those players who grew up watching the Battle of Ontario. “It’s special,” he said. “I remember watching it as a kid. To be part of it now? It’s unreal.”
Goalie Anthony Stolarz, who grew up in New Jersey, compared the Leafs-Sens rivalry to the famous Devils-Rangers battles. “It’s going to be fun to be part of something like that,” he said.
Must-Watch Hockey for Canada — and Beyond
This isn’t just another playoff series — it’s a fight for pride, for bragging rights, and for a shot at the Cup. The Leafs want to prove they’re true contenders. The Senators want to show they’re finally ready to compete at the highest level.
It’s passion, history, and fierce competition — all rolled into one unforgettable first-round series.
As Leafs forward William Nylander put it, “The atmosphere is always great against Ottawa. A playoff series will be something else. Pretty cool, for sure.”
The 2025 NHL Playoffs are kicking off with a bang, as the Battle of Ontario returns to centre stage. With a mix of old rivalry and new energy, the Leafs and Senators series promises to be one of the most exciting matchups of the postseason. Both teams have something to prove — and everything to lose. Expect physical play, loud crowds, and moments that fans will remember for years. This isn’t just hockey; it’s a showdown built on years of passion and pride.
