The Toronto Maple Leafs are one win away from sweeping their longtime rivals, the Ottawa Senators, after taking a commanding 3-0 series lead in the Battle of Ontario. Leafs Nation is riding high, fueled by back-to-back clutch performances that have placed Toronto on the brink of advancing.
Game 3, played at Ottawa’s Canadian Tire Centre on April 24, tested the Maple Leafs’ resolve as they faced early adversity. Ottawa struck first early in the second period after a strong opening, but Toronto’s potent power play quickly responded, with Matthew Knies burying the game-tying goal.
In a tight-checking contest with little space to operate, Mitch Marner delivered a moment of brilliance, setting up captain Auston Matthews for a slick go-ahead goal early in the third period. Though Ottawa captain Brady Tkachuk reignited the home crowd by forcing overtime midway through the third, the Maple Leafs silenced the excitement almost immediately. Just over a minute into overtime, Simon Benoit unleashed a slapshot off an Auston Matthews faceoff win, beating Ottawa goalie Linus Ullmark and sealing a crucial 3-2 victory.
With Ottawa now facing elimination, excitement is building for Game 4 on Saturday, April 26, where Leafs fans are hoping to “bring out the brooms.” Leafs Nation made their presence felt at the Canadian Tire Centre in Game 3, and they are expected to show up in full force again — though it will come at a steep cost. Ticket prices for Game 4 are soaring, with the cheapest seats on Ticketmaster currently listed at $375, and lower bowl tickets ranging from $1,255 to $2,440. For fans considering making the trip, driving may be the better option, as flights from Toronto to Ottawa ahead of the game are priced around $942.
For those watching from home, the pivotal game will be broadcast on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada and on Sportsnet, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m.
If Ottawa manages to extend the series, Game 5 would return to Toronto on Tuesday, April 29. Otherwise, a Maple Leafs sweep would close out the first round in decisive fashion.