Toronto ends Ottawa’s playoff dreams with birthday goals, comeback grit, and a little Max magic.
Toronto fans, rejoice! The Maple Leafs have finally broken through, defeating the Ottawa Senators 4–2 in Game 6 to clinch the series 4–2 and advance to the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
William Nylander celebrated his 29th birthday in style, netting two goals and adding an assist, while Max Pacioretty, returning from injury, scored the game-winning goal with just over five minutes remaining. Auston Matthews also contributed a goal, and goaltender Anthony Stolarz made 21 saves to secure the victory .
The Senators, despite goals from Brady Tkachuk and David Perron, couldn’t overcome the Leafs’ offensive surge. Defenseman Thomas Chabot assisted on both goals, and Linus Ullmark stopped 19 shots in the loss.
With this win, the Maple Leafs advance to face the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the second round. The Panthers won the regular season series against Toronto, setting the stage for an exciting matchup .
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