HIGHLIGHTS
- The Maple Leafs and Senators got into an all-out brawl at the end of Game 1
- Ottawa was clearly frustrated amid the 6-2 loss
- Read below to see the epic scenes
The Battle of Ontario did not disappoint in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators. Eight goals were scored between the two. However, the Atlantic Division champions won lopsidedly, 6-2, at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday.
The Senators were frustrated towards the end of the third period as two of Ottawa’s players targeted Bobby McMann before Max Domi skated in and got in on the action as he came to the defense of his teammate. Things completely unraveled, with a full-on brawl ensuing:
A boatload of penalties were handed out as a result, with the ref naming nearly every player on the ice:
Wild scenes in Toronto. Not surprising by any means, however, considering the rivalry between these two organizations. It’s the first time they’ve met in the playoffs since 2004, and the Maple Leafs certainly looked like the superior team in the series opener.
Mitch Marner led the way for the Leafs, scoring once and tallying two assists after his 102-point regular season. Six different players found the back of the net for the home squad as they put their depth on full display. John Tavares, William Nylander, and Morgan Reilly were among the other scorers.
The Senators actually outshot the Maple Leafs 33-24 and had 26 more hits in Game 1, but it didn’t make any difference. They were clearly short on patience, as we saw in the final minute of the third.
Game 2 for this series is scheduled for Tuesday as Ottawa looks to steal one on the road before heading back to the nation’s capital.
