Maple Leafs and Senators adding new chapter in Battle of Ontario

Feature Photo: Getty Images

The Battle of Ontario is a rich hockey tapestry of hometown pride, history, intensity and rivalry embodied. Just ask the players on the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs.

It is a clash that has already produced four chapters, the first of which was written in 2000 – a matchup of bitter rivals representing two of Canada’s most prominent cities in Toronto, the country’s most populous city and Ottawa, the nation’s capital.

Toronto native Chris Tanev, who signed a six-year contract with Toronto last July 1, had skated in 60 NHL career postseason games prior to the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Asked for his fondest memory of the Battle of Ontario, the veteran defenceman, known for his blue-collar style, opted for a regular-season matchup between the two teams back on March 4, 2003.

“Darcy Tucker jumping into the Senators’ bench,” answered Tanev, reflecting on an incident that included the Toronto forward and current Senators head coach, Travis Green.

Nick Cousins, who grew up in Belleville, Ontario, halfway between Toronto and Ottawa, chose the rivalry itself as his favourite aspect of the Battle of Ontario.

“The way it was created and progressed was great to see,” said Cousins, who won the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2024. “The games were always intense and fun to watch.” 

The forward, who has 64 NHL postseason games on his resume, was sidelined for 30 games during the 2024-25 regular season after suffering a knee injury that required surgery.

Getting back into game action – he returned to the lineup on April 13 – was an emotional experience for the 31-year-old.

“It was obviously tough to be out so long. You go through a lot of emotions, so to finally get back was a huge relief and a great feeling. You realize how much you miss everything – the game itself and being around the guys."

The first time the teams faced off in the postseason was in 2000, with each side winning two games at home before the Maple Leafs came out on top in six games. Toronto swept Ottawa when they met in the First Round in 2001. One year later, the Maple Leafs bested the Senators in seven games, duplicating the feat in 2004.

Fast forward 21 years later and the 2025 edition of the Battle Ontario is shaping up to be as riveting as the previous four instalments. The fifth edition of the Battle of Ontario got underway on Sunday in Toronto with the Maple Leafs emerging from the physical contest with a 6-2 win, followed by a 3-2 overtime victory for Toronto in Game 2. The series heads to Ottawa for Game 3 with the Senators looking to take advantage of home ice at Canadian Tire Centre.

The Maple Leafs have made the playoffs the past nine seasons but have notched only one series win during that span. The Senators last made the playoffs in 2017, losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in seven games in the Eastern Conference Final.

Suffice it to say, there is plenty on the line this time around for each club.

“The thing I am most hyped about is to watch our group perform on the biggest stage in the world – and for our younger players to get a feel for playoff hockey for their first time,” offered Cousins.

“Our biggest strength is our team defene and our depth. We have a resilient group that wants to win really bad and is hungry to take the next step.”

As are the Leafs.

“The most impressive part about this group has just been the resilience and consistency,” said defenceman Morgan Rielly. “It’s been great to watch the group grow.” 

One that is eager to deliver Toronto its first Stanley Cup since 1967.

“This is a dedicated group that wants to win and everyone works extremely hard,” said Tanev.