Maple Leafs Face Senators in Series-Defining Game 6 Showdown

OTTAWA, Canada — The Toronto Maple Leafs are set for a critical Game 6 against the Ottawa Senators in their Eastern Conference First Round series of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET at Canadian Tire Centre. With the Leafs leading the series 3-2, they have a chance to close it out for the first time in six attempts in recent playoff history.

After a disappointing 4-0 loss in Game 5, the pressure mounts on the Leafs, particularly on their star players like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Coach Craig Berube emphasized that the entire team, not just a select few, must step up to clinch this victory. “It’s on everybody on the team,” Berube stated. “We are a team. It is on the whole team, not just four guys.”

To address the recent struggles, Berube shuffled the lineup ahead of Game 6. Veteran forward Max Pacioretty will move to the left wing of the second line alongside John Tavares and William Nylander, aiming to bolster that line’s production after a lack of success in the series.

Pacioretty’s past chemistry with Tavares and Nylander during the regular season gives some hope for a turn in fortune. Notably, Pontus Holmberg will take on a more central role on the third line, with the intent to enhance the defensive stability of the group. However, the question remains whether the Maple Leafs’ stars can deliver when it matters most.

Both Matthews and Marner have faced scrutiny regarding their playoff performances. Collectively, they have only managed 14 points in 14 potential elimination games throughout their careers, a stark contrast to their average of 2.29 points per game in the regular season. With their playoff reputation on the line, they need to step up in this crucial matchup.

Another crucial aspect of the game will be the power play, which has stuttered in recent matches. The Leafs enjoyed success earlier in the series but failed to convert on seven opportunities in Games 4 and 5. “When we have a shot mentality, we’ve been effective,” Berube noted.

In net, Anthony Stolarz, who started the series strong, has shown signs of decline, posting a save percentage of .862 in the last three games. As the series approaches a decisive moment, the organization is left wondering if he can regain his form.

Game 6 offers Ottawa a chance at NHL history, as no team has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series. “We just have to have that same mindset of win-or-go-home,” said Senators’ captain Brady Tkachuk. “The game usually takes care of itself when we leave it all out there.”

As the puck drops tonight, the stakes are high. Both teams are aware of the ramifications, and anticipation fills the arena as they vie for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.