The newest chapter of the Battle of Ontario is already off to an exhilarating start in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a great spot now as they have a 2-0 series lead over the Ottawa Senators after a dominant 6-2 win in Game 1 and close, but resilient Game 2 with a game-winner from Max Domi. It was a tale of two games, but a win is a win in the playoffs. So far, we’re witnessing a different team compared to what we have seen in the past as the team has been very inconsistent with their on-ice performance and nervous moments. Heading into Game 2, there was a “business-like” mentality and that appears to be the case overall. Now that they have an advantage, the Maple Leafs continue to push forward as their game is being taken to a new level suited for the playoffs. (from, “’Business-like’ Maple Leafs strive to go up 2-0 in Battle of Ontario”, Toronto Sun – 4/22/25) Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators (The Hockey Writers) To this point, the Maple Leafs have stood tall in big moments and even when things looked dicey, they manage to hold their own and stick with their game. There are plenty of reasons for their success after two games, but a few continue to standout above the rest. Strong Shut-Down Game The old phrase defense wins championships is definitely one that teams take to heart as it is always on display with players doing whatever it takes to win. That is definitely the case with the Maple Leafs as their defensive game continues to standout against the Senators. The downside is that the Maple Leafs’ five-on-five game isn’t strong, as they’re lacking in the shot attempts and scoring chances department with the Senators having that advantage. The Maple Leafs do need to be better to get more of those chances themselves and sustain pressure however, the Maple Leafs haven’t been giving up a whole lot of quality chances given their defensive structure and mindset. Chris Tanev, Jake McCabe, Brandon Carlo and Simon Benoit are doing a really great job at getting into the shooting lanes, clogging up the middle of the ice and keeping the Senators to the outside. The team leads the league in blocked shots with 50 in order to help alleviate some of the pressure on Anthony Stolarz. While that’s helpful, Stolarz has been on top of his game, making key saves at key moments, something they haven’t had consistently in the playoffs in the past. Chris Tanev, Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) Even on the breakout, the Maple Leafs look clam and composed. While the fore-check from the Senators can be problematic, they have held their own and escaped pressure leading to a successful exit. They don’t panic in coverage; provide support and they connect easily in order to minimize the damage within their own end. The commitment to strong defense was instilled from the beginning of the system and has been a hallmark of their game and it’s showing in the playoffs. Strong Starts, Star Production All eyes were going to be on the star players to perform and they have delivered early on as they have been the reason for the team’s success. Mitch Marner and John Tavares lead the way offensively with four points and along with Auston Matthews and William Nylander, they combine for 14 points in the first two games. Related: John Tavares as Troll Gives the Maple Leafs a Silent Edge Morgan Rielly has scored in back-to-back games as he is once again showing his elevated play in the postseason as he always seems to find another level this time around. Even Matthew Knies is finding success once again as he has been a strong net-front presence, playing the body and complimenting the play of the top line. It’s surprising that Matthews doesn’t have a goal yet, but his play-making and defensive play is once again noticeable. To get this kind of consistency from the star players is a great sign considering how they’ve rarely had performances where all of them are clicking offensively. They need to get more zone time, but they’ve done a great job to get pucks on net, attack quickly in the middle of the ice and make those opportunities count. The top line of Knies- Matthews- Marner has an expected goals percentage of 56.5%, while the second line of Pontus Holmberg- Tavares- Nylander has 54.5%. Getting the depth is important too, but the Core-Four is at the forefront. Max Domi of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates scoring an overtime winning goal with his teammates during Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Ottawa Senators (Photo by Thomas Skrlj/NHLI via Getty Images) In addition, they’re doing more than just producing. All four lines, including the top-six, have been getting off to quick starts with their first shifts in each game. They’re being relentless on the attack, setting the tone and matching the physicality of the Senators where they aren’t backing down from the rough and tough style of play. They’ve shown they can play the body, outmuscle and win those key puck battles in order to regain possession. Power Play Has Been Key Last postseason, the power play was just abysmal as they only scored once, a 4.8% rate. While it was cold down the stretch this season, they still had their looks. Two games into their series with the Senators, the power play has been a reason for their success. The Maple Leafs have scored four goals on the man advantage a 57.1% rate, more than their series against the Boston Bruins in 2024. Though, it’s how they’re scoring that’s noticeable. They’re getting the inside track by winning the face-off and quickly getting to the middle to get pucks on net. They’re making a living to get traffic in front and take advantage of the open shooting lanes. The biggest surprise is how quick they’ve converted, taking no less than 38 seconds of time. That alone is impressive as they strike quickly and effectively. For once, the Maple Leafs have been absolutely dominant in this area, something that hasn’t been said in a long time. Related: Berube’s Coaching Clinic Helps Maple Leafs Shut Down Senators While the series is far from done, the Maple Leafs continue to gain momentum. From a dominant six-goal performance in Game 1, to a resilient effort in Game 2, they’re showing that they can win in multiple, even ugly, ways in the playoffs. They’re sticking to their game plan of playing a strong north-south game and being able to play reliable defense within their own end. All of which are key aspects in order to be successful in the playoffs. They now control they’re fate as they’re now in the driver seat. Statistics from NHL and MoneyPuck.