The Ottawa Senators arrive in Toronto for their March 15, 2025, matchup against the Maple Leafs amidst a challenging but hopeful season, currently holding a record of 34-25-5. Sitting just outside secure playoff positioning, every remaining game carries significant weight for Ottawa’s postseason aspirations. Offensively, the Senators have experienced mixed results, averaging 2.84 goals per game, placing them mid-tier in the NHL scoring rankings. However, their young offensive core, led by dynamic forward Tim Stützle, provides optimism for improvement. Stützle’s exceptional skill set, blending speed, creativity, and scoring touch, has allowed him to consistently lead the Senators in points, creating matchup issues for opposing defenses. Brady Tkachuk, the Senators’ captain, complements Stützle’s style with physical play and a strong net-front presence, providing valuable scoring depth. Despite their talent, Ottawa has frequently struggled with consistency in secondary scoring, often leaving the team overly reliant on their top performers. Defensively, Ottawa has notably improved this season, allowing just 2.65 goals per game, reflecting a more disciplined and cohesive defensive approach. Thomas Chabot remains the cornerstone of the Senators’ blue line, frequently logging substantial ice time while excelling in both offensive and defensive responsibilities. Chabot’s steady presence and puck-moving abilities significantly enhance Ottawa’s capability to transition effectively from defense to offense. Jake Sanderson’s development has also positively impacted Ottawa’s defensive depth, with his maturity and reliable performances helping stabilize the defensive structure.

Between the pipes, veteran goalie Joonas Korpisalo has proven critical to Ottawa’s defensive improvement, consistently providing the Senators with opportunities to secure points through his strong, reliable performances. Korpisalo’s save percentage has consistently remained above .910, indicating his effectiveness in facing high shot volumes and maintaining composure under pressure. Ottawa’s special teams performance has been mixed, with their power play occasionally struggling to find consistency, although capable of timely contributions. The Senators’ penalty kill has generally been effective but has shown vulnerability in critical moments, which has occasionally cost them close games. Facing the Maple Leafs, Ottawa will need to execute flawlessly on special teams to neutralize Toronto’s potent power play. Historically, the Senators have matched up competitively with Toronto, highlighted by their earlier 3-0 shutout win this season. This past success demonstrates Ottawa’s capability to defeat top-tier opponents when playing cohesively and strategically disciplined hockey. To secure another victory against their provincial rivals, Ottawa will require balanced scoring, disciplined defensive execution, and elite-level goaltending from Korpisalo. A victory in Toronto would significantly bolster Ottawa’s playoff chances, providing crucial momentum and confidence, proving their ability to compete strongly in pressure-filled scenarios against elite competition.