Max Domi scores OT winner in Game 2 against Sens; Leafs take 2-0 series lead

After not making the playoffs since 2017, the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs began rough for the Ottawa Senators when they fell 6-2 in Game 1 of their first round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

As Game 2 arrived, the Senators had a needed to have a new mindset and mentality. With a new game with a chance to change the series, the game needed extra time, but the end wasn't how Ottawa wanted.

The Maple Leafs defeated the Senators 3-2 in overtime at Scotiabank Arena in Game 2 to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.

The first period saw the same old, same old. The Maple Leafs scored two goals in the period courtesy of Morgan Rielly and John Tavares. Both players each scored their second goal of the series, and Tavares' goal was the Maple Leafs' fourth powerplay goal of the series. The goals came in a span of 4:37 less than 8.5 minutes into the game.

In the second period, momentum was shifting toward Ottawa with firing 13 shots on goal, but Ottawa had a difficult time beating Maple Leafs goaltender Athony Stolarz. That was until Ottawa's captain made his presence.

With 4:19 remaining in the second period, Brady Tkachuk scored a powerplay goal to cut the deficit to 2-1. Tkachuk's goal was his first career playoff goal. Toronto led 2-1 after 40 minutes to set up a huge third period.

The third period saw struggles from the Senators offense throughout the period. The Senators wouldn't get their first shot on goal of the period until there was 5:13 remaining, but it was a big one.

Adam Gaudette would tip-in a goal to tie the game at two. When the Senators' offense looked down and out, Gaudette came through big when least expected.

After Gaudette's trying goal, both Toronto and Ottawa had quality chances to take the lead before regulation ended, but Linus Ullmark and Stolarz stood tall. With the game tied at two after 60 minutes, overtime was needed to determine a winner.

Overtime wouldn't last long. At 3:09 of overtime with plenty of room to shoot the puck, Max Domi scored the overtime winner to give the win for the Maple Leafs. It was Domi's first career playoff overtime goal.

With the loss, history does feel against the Senators. Never in Senators history have they won a playoff series after trailing 0-2 in a playoff series, but the Senators must make history now to come back and defeat the Maple Leafs this round.

With the first two games concluded in Toronto, the series now shifts to Ottawa for the next two games. Puck drop for Game 3 at Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday night is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

Thursday night will be the first time since May 23, 2017, that the Senators will host a playoff game at Canadian Tire Centre. Sens fans have waited long enough to attend a playoff game in the nation's capital.