We’ve been waiting for over 20 years for the return of the Battle of Ontario, the playoff version. For this edition of NHL Predictions, presented by us here at Last Word on Hockey, that long anticipated wait is finally over. The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs get going for the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs today, on Easter Sunday. Be sure to keep up with this series and all the action around the league as our writers cover all the series. But enough of all that, who’s showing they got more out of their Easter Egg basket and taking Game 1, Maple Leafs or Senators?
NHL Predictions: Ottawa Senators, from the Scotiabank Arena, in Toronto, Ontario
TV: CBC, Sportsnet, TVA Sports, ESPN2
7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
2024-25 Regular Season Series: Ottawa 3 – Toronto 0.
We already discussed the series as a whole, but who’s going to take Game 1? Will Tim Stutzle be buzzing and helping power the Sens attack? Alternatively, will the Leafs top defensive pairing be shutting down the Sens stars from shining? Let’s get into it and try to decipher who prevails in Game 1 of the Battle of Ontario.
One take for Game 1 in our NHL Predictions, and that would naturally hold true for the entire series, is containing Auston Matthews. As head coach Travis Green tries to gameplan for the Leafs, Matthews is a big part of that equation. Moreover, this effect will be magnified in the first game, when the energy level is on full. You know he’s going to get his chances, and points too. For the Sens, they need to learn to remain calm and not let mental mistakes invade their actions. They need to block out the crazed Leaf fans and try to take the wind out of their sails. In this way, keeping the Scotiabank Arena as quiet as possible, as much as possible.
So, just how would the Ottawa Senators possibly be able to accomplish that tall task? The Sens, similar to the Leafs, are both very healthy. This identifies as a difference of the two rosters. The Leafs are able to sit capable performers and work the matchup game. For game one, we are expecting no Max Pacioretty, Philippe Myers, David Kampf, or recent call up, Ryan Reaves.
Leafs Ice Chips from @markhmasters – Domi sticks with Tavares, Nylander as Game 1 lineup comes into focus: https://t.co/DNPF5Jcfpp pic.twitter.com/91n6e9GVjW
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) April 19, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The Senators Angle in this Matchup
With those type of players sitting, it shows Toronto‘s depth upfront. Meanwhile, Ottawa finds themselves in a different boat. But again, very much advantaged by the lack of injuries to the group. Make no mistake, when you look at the combination of four lines coach Green has assembled for game one, Sen fans have good reason to hold onto hopes of optimism. Shane Pinto, Michael Amadio, Ridly Greig, and Adam Gaudette had 21, 11, 13, and 19 goals, respectively. It shows they can maintain an attack through all four lines.
The Sens will be relying on their sustained attack to attempt to keep The Buds from sprouting. This will be huge in Game 1 from Toronto. As the series goes on, and the matchups become more set in stone, this effect will dwindle somewhat. For lineup notes, look for a couple regular contributors to start the playoffs in the press box. Matthew Highmore and Travis Hamonic have played regularly for the Sens throughout the season. Also, Dennis Gilbert is expected to sit. Leevi Merilainen was recalled from Belleville, but the expectation is Anton Forsberg backs up Ullmark. However, it is always nice to have options.
How Will the Maple Leafs Go About Legging Out Game 1
Based on our NHL Predictions, the Leafs key to winning Game 1 will boil down to their defensive awareness. We are anticipating a fast-paced, action-packed, high-event opening game of the series. For the Leafs defence and goaltending, led by Anthony Stolarz, needing to grind this one out is important. Regardless of it being high scoring or not, the Senators can strike at anytime. The Leafs defence and goaltending needs to remain razor sharp to not let any by. One quick injury note, is that at this time, Oliver Ekman-Larsson is a game-time decision.
NHL Predictions Sens and Leafs
This is shaping up to be a tremendous Easter Sunday contest. Toronto’s skill will be on full display at home in game one of the playoffs. Expect a high scoring game and Ottawa able to show they can hang with the team from The Six.
Game 1 Final Score Prediction: 5 – 4 Leafs
To add even more excitement, check out these prop bets. The over is set at only 5.5, so we say go with that. One popular prop bet to mix in is Matthews and Tkachuk as both anytime scorers and getting four or more shots. That one is paying over +1500. Like the Battle of Ontario, it might just be time to get it.
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
The post Game 1 Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Predictions Playoffs Edition appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.