Sunday night was excitement for the Ottawa Senators as the team got ready to play their first playoff game since 2017, but the Toronto Maple Leafs gave the Senators a rude awakening.
The Maple Leafs defeated the Senators in Game 1 by a final of 6-2 to take a 1-0 series lead. The old phrase of "it's one game" was evident for the Senators, but the team will need a win to not be under immense pressure heading back to Ottawa.
Sens-Leafs get ready for Game 2
The Senators remain in Toronto to face the Maple Leafs in Game 2 of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Game 1 saw not much go right for the Senators at all. Three of Toronto's six goals were scored on the powerplay. The playoff inexperience, being undisciplined and "playoff Ullmark" were three major concerns.
Toronto's big offensive players came through when needed. Mitch Marner recorded a three-point game. John Tavares, William Nylander and Auston Matthews each recorded a two-point game.
It's clear that shutting down the top offensive players and getting better goaltending will be needed in Game 2. The Senators also can't take another 38 penalty minutes, which was their number from Game 1.
If there were two bright spots from the Game 1 loss, Drake Batherson and Ridly Greig each scored their first career playoff goal for the Senators.
Heading into Game 2, more pressure is placed on Linus Ullmark. Game 1 was the sixth time in which Ullmark allowed in four goals in a playoff start. It was also the second time in which Ullmark allowed in six goals in a playoff game. If the Senators are going to steal a road game in Toronto in the first round, Ullmark needs to be better.
If Ottawa wins Game 2, then the series will become a best-of-5. If Ottawa loses Game 2, heading home in an 0-2 deficit against a talented Toronto team will be a daunting task to overcome.