For the second time in two weeks, the lowly Ottawa Senators took down the high-flying Toronto Maple Leafs on home ice. Despite Toronto outplaying Ottawa for most of the game, it was the Senators who made the most of their chances. The Sens ultimately earned a 4-2 victory over the Leafs on Saturday night at Canadian Tire Centre.
Posting back-to-back wins against the NHL’s sixth ranked team is a major confidence boost for the young Senators, who are in the early stages of a rebuild. Defeating their provincial rivals also gives Senator fans pride and builds optimism for a brighter season next year.
Meanwhile, losses against the NHL’s worst team does nothing to help the Maple Leafs. Toronto is still vying to clinch a 2019 playoff berth. On top of this pressure, the Leafs must rebuild their own confidence and poise if they want any chance of advancing from round-one, assuming they clinch.
Anthony Duclair earned three points (2G, 1A), while Magnus Paajarvi, Colin White, and Brady Tkachuk all enjoyed a pair of points each for the Senators. Cody Ceci scored the game winner. Goaltender Craig Anderson earned the game’s first star for his outstanding performance.
“They outshot us tonight and they had a lot of quality chances, but Craig stood tall all night. He did everything that you could ask, and more”, said Senators head coach Marc Crawford following the game.
Toronto received goals from Auston Matthews and Connor Brown. An honourable mention goes to Mitch Marner, who earned a power play assist and was abuzz all game long.
This game was the final Battle of Ontario for the 2018-19 season. The Senators had the Maple Leafs number for most of the year, earning an impressive record of 3-1-0 against one of the NHL’s most potent teams. With the win, Ottawa improves their record to 28-44-6 and 62 points. The Leafs, on the other hand, drop to 45-26-7 and hold steady with 97 points. 35 points separate these two teams in the standings.
Game Summary
First Period
For the Senators, the first period was defined with at least four big hits and trying to limit scoring chances from an offensively gifted opponent. Despite getting outshot 18-7, Anderson was outstanding and his team was able to keep the game scoreless. Zack Smith landed two big hits, the first on Ron Hainsey and the second on John Tavares. Dylan DeMelo and Ben Harpur also used their bodies to check Marner and Frederik Gauthier, respectively.
William Nylander had five shots on goal this period, and would eventually add two more to tie Matthews with the most shots on goal this game by a player.
Second Period
The Senators opened the game’s scoring 5:24 into the second period. Matthews gave away the puck at his blue line to Paajarvi, who slid it to Oscar Lindberg, who set-up Duclair for a one-timer. The 23-year-old released the puck so hard, it was in and out of the Leafs net before many in the building had realized.
Following the goal, Anderson made a clutch save against Tavares. The Leafs sniper found himself breaking in on the 37-year-old goalie all alone. Without getting mystified, ‘Andy’ stayed with the 45-goal scorer and rebuffed his Grade A scoring attempt.
Ottawa scored their second goal of the game at 14:43, when Paajarvi and Duclair connected again. This time, it was Duclair passing to Paajarvi in the slot. The 27-year-old spun around and whistled a shot right through Garret Sparks five-hole.
Afterwards, the Leafs amped up their offensive pressure against the Senators in response. However, it was Anderson again, this time denying Patrick Marleau with a glove save. On the following play, the Senators goalie made a poke-check save on Marner.
Third Period
Early in the third period, Ottawa began playing with fire when they gave Toronto back-to-back power plays. First, Brian Gibbons went off for interference. Then, Tkachuk followed for the same infraction. Although they successfully killed off the first penalty, Matthews made Ottawa pay on the second. The 21-year-old goal scorer ripped a shot top shelf to get the Leafs on the board. It was his 37th of the season.
A dazzling toe drag and quick flick of the wrist by @AM34. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/zidgIptu6o
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) March 31, 2019
Just 27 seconds later, Chris Tierney gave the puck away on a Senators attack. Capitalizing on the misplay, Brown skated down the ice and scored in the same spot as Matthews, picking Anderson’s high glove side.
-
Ep 114: Aaron Rodgers, OBJ, and The New York Jets
by Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 12:09 am
With the game suddenly tied, Canadian Tire Centre was loud and alive again with energy. The many Maple Leaf faithful of Leafs Nation finally had reason to cheer. However, all the hostile noise and chants did not phase the Senators.
Ottawa stormed right back with an odd-man entry into Toronto territory. On a pretty passing play, Tkachuk gave the puck to White, who dropped it back to Ceci. It was only fitting for an Ottawa native to fire home the eventual game-winning goal against Toronto with a high wrist shot past Sparks.
Snipe. #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/smoQ0ZanQ0
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) March 31, 2019
In the final minutes of the game, Anderson once again came up big for his team. First, he denied a streaking Jake Muzzin in close range. Then, the Leafs defender had a second opportunity to tie the game, but he rung it off the cross-bar.
Although Anderson made many memorable saves in this match, his biggest was no other than a game-winning save on Marner. With the Leafs rushing into the Senators zone on a two-on-one, Anderson stretched out his pad to stymie the dangerous Maple Leaf who one-timed a pass from Zach Hyman.
🛑 #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/YfRG1AP778
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) March 31, 2019
The American goalie finished this game with a 2.01 goals against average and a .955 save percentage.
Duclair would add an empty netter for the Senators to cap the game score at 4-2.
The Paajarvi Factor
Magnus Paajarvi seems to love playing against the Toronto Maple Leafs as an Ottawa Senator. In four games against the Maple Leafs this season, the former first-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers has six points. This includes five goals and one assist. With performances like these against Ottawa’s provincial rival, Paajarvi finds himself in the middle of rejuvenating the Battle of Ontario.
Paajarvi is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on Jul. 1.
Duclair-ing His Case
Anthony Duclair is a restricted free agent at the end of this season.
However, in 17 games since arriving to Ottawa, he has made a strong case for the Senators to consider locking him up to an extension. The native of Pointe-Claire, Quebec is on the verge of a 20-goal season. Since becoming a Senator, he has already racked up 13 points, including seven goals and six assists. Previously as a Columbus Blue Jacket, he only had 19 points in 53 games.
Duclair’s performance against the Maple Leafs was one of his best as a Senator. It also showed there is clearly no quit from this talented player, even though his team has little to play for at this point in the season.
After playing for five teams in five NHL seasons, there could be a chance Duclair may finally get to call Ottawa his home.
Losing His Spark
Garret Sparks has clearly fallen out of favor in Leafs Nation.
The back-up goalie received loud jeers throughout the game from disgruntled Leaf fans in attendance at Canadian Tire Centre. Unfortunately for Sparks, this has happened before, when he was in the crease for a 6-2 loss against the Senators on Mar. 16. He has a 4.52 goals-against average and .860 save percent these past two games in the Canadian capital.
Following the game, Anderson commented, “I feel bad for Sparks. He gets those false cheers on some dump-ins, but, you know, it’s a difficult place to play in Ottawa”.
Snap Shots
- Mark Borowiecki was out of the line-up with an upper-body injury.
- Travis Dermott returned to the Maple Leafs lineup after missing the last 14 games due to a shoulder injury.
- Senators top prospect Erik Brannstrom was in attendance to experience the intensity between the Ontario rivals. The 19-year-old recently suffered an upper-body injury playing for the Belleville Senators. He is listed as week to week.
- In the final minute of the game, the Senators trolled the Leafs by playing Toronto’s Hall and Oates goal song.
Official 3 Stars of the Game
- Craig Anderson, Ottawa
- Anthony Duclair, Ottawa
- Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa
Up Next
The Senators start their final week of the 2018-19 regular season against the NHL’s first-place team, the Tampa Bay Lightning. This game is scheduled for Monday at Canadian Tire Centre. The league’s best team owns an outstanding record of 59-15-4 and 122 points. 19 points separate Tampa from two teams tied for second, which are the Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins. The Sens are 1-1-1 against the Bolts this season.
Cover Photo Credit: Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS
Billy Morrison lives in Ottawa and covers the Ottawa Senators for Full Press Coverage. Follow Billy on Twitter, @BillyMorrison01.

-
Ep 149: Remembering Bud Grant With Former Vikings RB Chuck Foremanby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2023 at 10:41 pm
Former Vikings running back Chuck Foreman joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 148: Hall of Fame Voter John McClain Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on March 15, 2023 at 10:15 pm
Hall of Fame voter John McClain of Gallery Sports returns to the show to […]
-
These Remaining Free Agents are Bargains & Valuable for Contending Teamsby LandryFootball.com on March 25, 2023 at 11:45 am
While the first wave of Free Agency gets all the attention the first week […]
-
Inside Bryce Young's Pro Day & his meetings with the Carolina Panthersby LandryFootball.com on March 24, 2023 at 11:00 pm
Chris takes you inside Bryce Young's Pro Day at Ohio State as well as his […]
-
Ep 278: The Trade Marchby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2023 at 8:02 pm
-
Ep 277: Free Agency March Madnessby Full Press Coverage on March 17, 2023 at 2:39 am
-
Ep 276: Franchise Tag 2023by Full Press Coverage on March 8, 2023 at 8:28 pm
-
Ep 275: Dynasty Dispersal Draftby Full Press Coverage on March 4, 2023 at 2:06 pm
-
Episode 3.5: "Free Agent Frenzy" w/ Pete Hailey from NBC Sports Washington and "Big Doug" McCrayby Full Press Coverage on March 15, 2023 at 8:40 pm
George Carmi hosts NBC Sports Washington's Pete Hailey and Doug McCray on […]
-
Season 3.4: "Winds of Change" with Rick Snider of 106.7 The Fan and "Big Doug" McCrayby Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2023 at 10:33 pm
George Carmi hosts Rick Snider from 106.7 The Fan to discuss the latest […]
-
Full Press Islanders - Friday, March 24thby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2023 at 5:05 pm
The Isles got help yesterday in a massive way with the Pens and Panthers […]
-
Full Press Kraken - Friday, March 24thby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2023 at 3:15 pm
Recap the loss to Nashville and look at the playoff picture. Learn more […]
-
3/24 - Bruins Approaching Record; OBJ To the New York Jets?by Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 12:07 am
Ian and John discuss the Boston Bruins dominance and discuss whether or […]
-
3/22 - World Baseball Classic Was A Classic; Connor McDavid on Hockey Tournamentby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2023 at 10:29 pm
Ian and John discuss the success of the World Baseball Classic and debate […]
-
3/21 - Aaron Rodgers Latest, World Baseball Classic Talkby Full Press Coverage on March 21, 2023 at 6:59 pm
Ian and John talk more Aaron Rodgers and the excitement around the World […]
-
3/20 - Aaron Rodgers, Brandin Cooks, Boston Bruinsby Full Press Coverage on March 20, 2023 at 2:25 pm
Ian and John discuss the latest with Aaron Rodgers, the Brandin Cooks […]
-
Ep 2: Top 5 Super Bowls Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on February 7, 2023 at 3:26 pm
Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti give their Top 5 Super Bowls of all time. […]
-
Ep 1: The Top 10 Quarterbacks Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 8:42 pm
On the first episode of 'According To Who?', host Ian Glendon and John […]
-
Bucks at Nuggetsby Broken Controller Media on March 25, 2023 at 5:00 pm
-
Pacers at Hawksby Broken Controller Media on March 25, 2023 at 4:00 pm
-
Nets at Heatby Broken Controller Media on March 25, 2023 at 3:00 pm
-
Ep 157: Sid Part One - Skyscraper to Sychoby Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 2:00 pm
-
Fight Stack: Final Notesby Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 11:00 am
-
Ep 114: Aaron Rodgers, OBJ, and The New York Jetsby Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 12:09 am
-
3/24 - Bruins Approaching Record; OBJ To the New York Jets?by Full Press Coverage on March 25, 2023 at 12:07 am
-
Full Press MMA - Friday, March 24thby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2023 at 11:00 pm
-
Thunder at Lakersby Broken Controller Media on March 24, 2023 at 10:00 pm
-
Ep. 230 - NBA Playoff Race Could Come Down To Injuriesby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2023 at 9:42 pm
-
1/6 - Damar Hamlin Update, Bills/Bengals, AFC Playoffs, Week 18 Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 6, 2023 at 3:11 pm
-
Winter Classic: Bruins Rally To Beat Penguins At Fenwayby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:09 am
-
1/3 - Bills/Bengals Postponed; Bruins Topple Penguins In Winter Classicby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:05 am
-
1/2 - Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Week 17, Bills/Bengalsby Full Press Coverage on January 3, 2023 at 3:22 am
-
12/30 - New Year's Eve, Luka Doncic, NBA Talk, Week 17 Preview and Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 1, 2023 at 2:29 am
-
Aaron Rodgers, Packers Win Third Straight; Playoffs In Sightby Full Press Coverage on December 27, 2022 at 7:36 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 230by Talkamania on September 6, 2022 at 11:43 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Revolution Reviewby Boot 2 The Face on March 10, 2023 at 12:42 am
AEW Revolution Review, Power Rankings, B2TF of the Week, and […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 215by Boot 2 The Face on March 2, 2023 at 12:50 am
We are back talking Kenny Omega's importance to AEW. Also, we break down […]