The NHL postseason kicked off with an electrifying atmosphere, especially during the Battle of Ontario where the Toronto Maple Leafs faced the Ottawa Senators. Toronto's Anthony Stolarz made a mark in goal, establishing himself as a top 10 fantasy goaltender. With a 939 save percentage in his first playoff start, his performance was crucial despite allowing two goals. The Leafs capitalized on their power play opportunities, scoring three out of six chances, while the Senators struggled to stay disciplined, racking up penalties that cost them dearly in their 6-2 loss.

With key players like Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews contributing significantly, the depth and versatility of the Leafs' lineup shone through. Particularly, Matthews demonstrated excellent playmaking alongside his goal-scoring abilities, underlining the importance of his role in their postseason success. The Senators' captain, Brady Tkachuk, found it challenging to navigate the pressures of the game, indicating a need for a stronger performance moving forward in the series. As the teams prepare for Game 2, all eyes will be on how the Senators adjust to reclaim their footing and whether the Leafs can maintain their dominance.