Toronto, Ontario — The Maple Leafs faced another setback in their playoff series against the Senators, falling 4-0 in Game 5, which allowed their opponents to regain momentum. Although Toronto maintains a 3-2 lead in the series, their lackluster performance at home raised concerns about their ability to close out the matchup.
Throughout the night, the Leafs struggled with fundamental aspects of their game, failing to connect under pressure and notably lacking in offense during critical moments. The core players—Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Morgan Rielly—have been unable to secure victories when it counts, now holding a disappointing 1-12 record in elimination games.
The Senators deserve commendation for their disciplined defensive play. Goaltender Linus Ullmark stood out with a flawless performance, stopping all 27 shots he faced for a crucial shutout. Additionally, defenceman Jake Sanderson significantly contributed to the win, controlling play at both ends of the ice.
Sanderson opened the scoring with a well-placed shot from the point in the second period, aided by a screen that left the Leafs’ defenders scrambling. Dylan Cozens added to the lead with a shorthanded goal, taking advantage of a critical mistake by the Leafs on the power play. Empty-net goals from Tim Stützle and Brady Tkachuk sealed the game, sending the series back to Ottawa for Game 6 on Thursday.
Toronto’s tension was palpable throughout the contest, as the team appeared overwhelmed by the stakes. Their decision-making was rushed and indecisive, particularly during key offensive opportunities. A notable example came when Steven Lorentz opted to skate directly at Ullmark during a two-on-none, instead of taking a shot or setting up a teammate.
As the game progressed, the atmosphere within Scotiabank Arena shifted from anticipation to frustration. The crowd, initially energized, grew increasingly silent as Toronto failed to find the back of the net. Boos echoed through the arena as the Senators increased their lead, reflecting the mounting pressure on the Maple Leafs to perform.
Head Coach Craig Berube emphasized the importance of maintaining composure despite the disappointing result. “We’re still up 3-2 in the series,” he reminded his players. “It’s playoff hockey. There will be ups and downs, but we need to stay focused.”
Defensively, Sanderson delivered an exceptional performance, proving to be a formidable opponent for the Leafs’ star players. Both Matthews and Marner struggled to gain traction against him, with their combined Corsi stats reflecting their difficulties. Sanderson’s partner, Artem Zub, also played a pivotal role, contributing several key shot blocks throughout the game.
The Maple Leafs, who initially seemed poised to take control of the series, now face renewed doubts after their inability to capitalize on scoring chances. Their once-potent power play has faltered, with the team going 0-for-7 since Game 4. This has raised questions about their preparedness to advance in the playoffs and whether their high-profile roster can deliver when it truly matters.
As the teams prepare for Game 6, Ottawa’s victory has introduced a new layer of pressure for the Maple Leafs, who must now regroup and find their footing on the road. With their postseason aspirations hanging in the balance, Toronto must confront its playoff vulnerabilities if they are to reclaim their series lead.