Maple Leafs Aim for 2-0 Series Lead Against Senators

TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to host the Ottawa Senators for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First Round on Tuesday night at Scotiabank Arena, with hopes of taking a 2-0 lead in the series. Toronto won Game 1 with a commanding 6-2 victory on Sunday and seeks to build upon that momentum.

Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz made 31 saves in Game 1, earning praise from head coach Craig Berube for his timely saves that shifted the game’s momentum. “Timely saves are huge. He made it at a time to keep the momentum going,” Berube said. Stolarz, who served as a backup during the Florida PanthersCup run last season, has stepped into the starting role with confidence.

Stolarz had never started an NHL playoff game before Sunday but feels prepared to embrace the challenge. “Look, when my number is called to make a big save, I try to do that,” Stolarz said. His performance in Game 1 reiterated the type of goaltending the franchise has long needed in the postseason.

The Maple Leafs have struggled in the playoffs historically, with only one series win in the past 21 years. Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, a former teammate of Stolarz on the Panthers, believes in his abilities. “He’s such a good person and works really hard. Just an unbelievable teammate too. I’m happy for him. Well deserved,” Ekman-Larsson said.

As the Maple Leafs gear up for Game 2, they aim to improve their defensive play. Coach Berube noted that despite the win, the team gave up unnecessary chances to the Senators. “We gotta control more of the game in the offensive zone than we did,” Berube said.

On the other side, Senators forward Brady Tkachuk acknowledged the need for his team to elevate their game. “A big test for us tonight, but we’re excited,” Tkachuk stated before puck drop. The Senators aim to respond strongly after a frustrating defeat in Game 1.

Toronto has not taken a 2-0 lead in a playoff series since 2002 and hopes to change that statistic while continuing to build on the success from their last game. The atmosphere in Maple Leaf Square is expected to be electric as fans rally behind their team.

As the anticipation builds for Game 2, both teams recognize the stakes. Protecting home ice and maintaining focus will be crucial for the Maple Leafs to avoid allowing the Senators to tie the series.