Ottawa Senators: Sens Silence The Toronto Maple Leafs

Feb 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators forward Mike Hoffman (68) is greeted by team mates after scoring against Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period at Air Canada Centre. The Senators won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators forward Mike Hoffman (68) is greeted by team mates after scoring against Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period at Air Canada Centre. The Senators won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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The final instalment of the Battle of Ontario was keenly viewed, not just by Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leaf fans, but every team in the Atlantic.

The Sens boasted a 2-1 lead in the first three games of the series. Unfortunately we have not seen proper sentiment towards the Battle of Ontario since their last meeting in the post-season back in 2003-04.  With everything still to play for in the wacky division, both teams felt the heat. Ottawa were undoubtedly the better side, albeit the score a little flattering with a desperate Toronto yanking Anderson twice at the end.

I’ve mentioned in my last couple of articles how pivotal the Sens attacking play from the blue-line has been. The shock of Dion Phaneuf becoming an attacking presence once more. You could undoubtedly see this from the game-plan early into the fixture.

Ottawa’s first line in both offense and defense was the dominant force in last night’s game. They were the deciding factor in a voracious tie. In this article we will explore what happened last night and its’ impact.