Leafs Eye Bounce-Back in Game 5 After Overtime Heartbreaker Against Senators
TORONTO — Buckle up, Leafs Nation! The Toronto Maple Leafs are back at it Tuesday night with a golden opportunity to punch their ticket to Round 2 — and this time, they’re looking to slam the door shut on the Ottawa Senators once and for all. Puck drops at 7 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena, and you can catch all the action live on CBC, TVAS, SN, and ESPN.
Berube Calls on Leafs’ Stars to Step Up
After missing their first chance to close out the series, Toronto head coach Craig Berube is turning to his biggest weapons: Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, John Tavares, and rising star Matthew Knies. His message? Play the way you have all year — and don’t let the Senators back into the fight.
“They’ve been stepping up all season,” Berube said Sunday morning, following Toronto’s tough 4-3 overtime loss in Game 4. “Our leadership group has really grown, and I expect the same in Game 5. We were right there, just didn’t finish.”
The Leafs showed real heart last game, clawing back from 2-0 and 3-2 deficits, only to see Ottawa’s Jake Sanderson sneak a point shot through a sea of bodies past Anthony Stolarz in overtime.
Senators Gain Confidence After OT Thriller
While Toronto looks to regroup, the Senators are riding high. Ottawa head coach Travis Green isn’t worried about history or stats — he’s leaning into the underdog spirit.
“You’d have to ask them if doubt’s creeping in,” Green said when asked about Toronto’s playoff elimination struggles. “We’re just focused on winning the next one.”
And why wouldn’t he feel confident? The Senators have taken the Leafs to overtime in three straight games and finally cashed in on one. Ottawa’s dressing room is buzzing with belief — and that’s dangerous for a favourite like Toronto.
Keys to Victory for the Maple Leafs in Game 5
1. Start Fast, Stay Aggressive
The Leafs need to set the tone early at Scotiabank Arena. A quick start will get the crowd behind them and keep the Senators on their heels. Toronto can’t afford to chase the game again.
2. Power Play Precision
Toronto’s special teams have to come through when it matters. They let a four-minute power play slip away in overtime last game — that can’t happen again. Quick puck movement and getting bodies in front will be crucial.
3. Matthews Must Break Through
Auston Matthews hit a post in OT but hasn’t lit the lamp since early in the series. A goal from No. 34 would be a massive emotional lift — and a backbreaker for Ottawa.
4. Tighten Up Defensively
Ottawa has been finding ways to force overtime with late-period goals. Toronto needs to stay sharp defensively in transition and limit odd-man rushes against.
5. Leadership in Crunch Time
John Tavares, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander have all contributed, but Game 5 will demand a full-team leadership effort. Veteran poise could make the difference if it’s another tight third period — or overtime.
Toronto Looks to Close Series Out at Scotiabank Arena
Despite the loss, Berube remains steady behind the bench.
“There was a lot of good in Game 4,” Berube said. “We played a real good hockey game. There’s always areas to improve — like finishing on the power play — but our compete level was strong.”
Toronto had their chances, especially during a four-minute power play in overtime after Drake Batherson’s high-stick. Matthews even rang one off the post. But the killer instinct just wasn’t there when it mattered most.
Heading into Game 5, the Maple Leafs know they can’t afford to let Ottawa hang around. Finish the job on home ice — and avoid a pressure-packed return to the nation’s capital.
TAGS
