• Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-2 in Game 6 to win their first-round playoff series 4-2.
• Max Pacioretty scored the game-winning goal with under six minutes remaining, while William Nylander contributed two goals and an assist.
• The Maple Leafs will advance to face the Florida Panthers in the second round, ending Ottawa's first playoff appearance since 2017.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators concluded their first-round playoff series with Toronto winning 4-2. Game 6 saw a tightly contested match, with Max Pacioretty scoring the decisive goal late in the third period. The series, dubbed the 'Battle of Ontario,' was closer than initially expected, with Ottawa winning two games after Toronto took a 3-0 lead. The Maple Leafs now advance to the second round, facing the Florida Panthers, while the Senators' playoff journey ends after their first appearance since 2017.

• What: Toronto Maple Leafs won Game 6 against the Ottawa Senators 4-2, clinching the series 4-2 and advancing to the second round of the NHL playoffs.
• Who: Key players include Max Pacioretty, William Nylander, Auston Matthews for the Maple Leafs, and Brady Tkachuk and David Perron for the Senators. Coaches and team management are also central to the narrative.
• When: Game 6 took place on May 1, 2025. The series spanned approximately two weeks.
• Where: Game 6 was played at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. The series took place between Toronto and Ottawa.

The Maple Leafs' series victory over the Senators was a significant moment, especially given their history of playoff struggles. The series proved more challenging than many initially predicted, with the Senators mounting a comeback after falling behind 3-0. Max Pacioretty's game-winning goal in Game 6 was crucial, showcasing his value after starting the series as a healthy scratch. The win allows the Leafs to advance, but the pressure remains high as they face the Florida Panthers in the next round. For the Senators, their playoff appearance marked a step forward after a long rebuild, demonstrating potential for future contention.

We expected it to be challenging. No one expected it to be easy. So, again, we're up in a series, and we're in a position where we have a chance to regroup and refocus and go out there and play some good hockey.

We’re up 3-2 in the series, so we’re fine. We’re going to prepare for our game Thursday, and we’ll make the adjustments that we need to.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' Game 6 victory over the Ottawa Senators secured their place in the second round of the playoffs. Despite facing a determined Senators team and overcoming their own historical struggles in series-clinching games, the Leafs prevailed. The series win provides a foundation for their continued playoff journey, but the upcoming matchup against the Florida Panthers presents a new and significant challenge. For Ottawa, the series provided valuable experience and demonstrated their potential for future success.