View source for Battle of Ontario

{{Short description|National Hockey League rivalry}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox sports rivalry
| name = Battle of Ontario
| team1logo = OttawaSenatorsWordmark.gif
| team2logo = File:Toronto Maple Leafs wordmark 2016.png
| team1 = [[Ottawa Senators]]
| team2 = [[Toronto Maple Leafs]]
| first contested = October 20, 1992<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mcubed.net/nhl/tor/otw.shtml|title=Series records : Toronto Maple Leafs(H) against Ottawa Senators(A)|website=mcubed.net|access-date=February 1, 2020}}</ref>
| mostrecent = December 27, 2025
| nextmeeting = February 28, 2026
| total = 178
| series = 89–73–3–13 (TOR)
| regularseason = 76–56–3–13 (OTT)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/OTT/head2head.html|title=Ottawa Senators Won-Loss Records|publisher=Sports Reference, LLC|website=hockeyreference.com|access-date=December 7, 2023}}</ref>
| postseason = 20–10 (TOR)
| largestvictory = OTT 8–0 TOR<br />October 29, 2005
| longeststreak = OTT W7
| currentstreak = TOR W1
| section_header = Postseason history
| section_info =
*'''[[2000 Stanley Cup playoffs|2000 conference quarterfinals]]''': Maple Leafs won, 4–2
*'''[[2001 Stanley Cup playoffs|2001 conference quarterfinals]]''': Maple Leafs won, 4–0
*'''[[2002 Stanley Cup playoffs|2002 conference semifinals]]''': Maple Leafs won, 4–3
*'''[[2004 Stanley Cup playoffs|2004 conference quarterfinals]]''': Maple Leafs won, 4–3
*'''[[2025 Stanley Cup playoffs|2025 first round]]''': Maple Leafs won, 4–2
}}
The '''Battle of Ontario''' ({{langx|fr|Bataille de l'Ontario}}) is a [[National Hockey League]] (NHL) [[National Hockey League rivalries|rivalry]] between the [[Ottawa Senators]] and the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]]. Both teams compete in the [[Atlantic Division (NHL)|Atlantic Division]] and with current NHL scheduling, they meet three to four times per season. Games between the teams are often televised nationally on ''[[Hockey Night in Canada]]''. The rivalry has been described as one of the NHL's top rivalries due to the two teams meeting each other in the postseason throughout the early 2000s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=2172427&type=story|publisher=ESPN Interactive Inc.|title=Part II—Top rivalries|date=September 25, 2005|access-date=July 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=LeBrun |first=Pierre |title=Battle of Ontario actually means something |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/13871/battle-of-ontario-actually-means-something |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=ESPN.com |date=2012-01-17}}</ref>

==Background==
Games between Toronto and Ottawa ice hockey teams date back before the founding of the NHL. In 1891, the [[Ottawa Senators (original)|original Senators]] defeated the Toronto St. George's to win the Ontario ice hockey title. In February 1904, the original Ottawa Senators, aka the 'Silver Seven', defeated the [[Toronto Marlboros]] in a Stanley Cup challenge. The Senators were founding members of the [[National Hockey Association]] (NHA) in 1910 and Toronto teams joined the NHA two years later. In 1917, the Toronto NHA franchise was turned over to the NHL and joined the Senators as one of the founding teams of the NHL. After the original Ottawa NHL franchise relocated to [[St. Louis]], as the [[St. Louis Eagles|Eagles]] in 1934,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeycentral.co.uk/nhl/movers/Depression-Hockey.php|title=Hockeycentral &#124; NHL &#124; Movers &#124; Depression Hockey|publisher=National Hockey League|website=HockeyCentral.co.uk|access-date=July 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thepeoplehistory.com/icehockeyhistory.html|title=History of Ice Hockey from Early Beginnings to Current|work=thepeoplehistory.com|access-date=July 14, 2023|archive-date=December 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209014322/https://www.thepeoplehistory.com/icehockeyhistory.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and with the coming of television broadcasting of NHL games in the 1950s, Ottawa-area NHL fans became fans of other NHL teams. A Toronto–Ottawa sports rivalry continued between the [[Toronto Argonauts|Argonauts]] and the [[Ottawa Rough Riders|Rough Riders]] of the [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL).

==History==
The current Senators entered the NHL in [[1992–93 NHL season|1992]], but the rivalry with the Maple Leafs did not begin to emerge until the late 1990s. From 1992 to 1998, Toronto was in the [[Western Conference (NHL)|Western Conference]] and Ottawa was in the [[Eastern Conference (NHL)|Eastern Conference]], which meant that the two teams rarely played each other. However, before the [[1998–99 NHL season|1998–99 season]], the conferences and divisions were re-aligned, and Toronto was moved into the Eastern Conference's [[Northeast Division (NHL)|Northeast Division]] with the Senators, [[Montreal Canadiens]], [[Boston Bruins]], and [[Buffalo Sabres]].

The Maple Leafs and Senators met for the first time in the playoffs in [[2000 Stanley Cup playoffs|2000]], with the Maple Leafs dispatching the Senators in six games. Some Maple Leafs fans saw this as revenge, since the Senators' [[Marián Hossa|Marian Hossa]] accidentally clipped the Maple Leafs' [[Bryan Berard]] in the eye on March 11, ending the young defenceman's season and almost his career.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/bryan-berard-re-lives-gruesome-eye-injury-changed-career/|title=Bryan Berard re-lives gruesome eye injury that changed his career|publisher=Rogers Media|date=May 12, 2020|website=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/ott-vs-tor/2000/04/24/1999030136|title=Toronto Maple Leafs - Ottawa Senators April 24, 2000|publisher=NHL Enterprises, L. P.|date=April 24, 2000|website=NHL.com|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

===21st century===
The [[2000–01 NHL season|next season]], Toronto and Ottawa met again in the [[2001 Stanley Cup playoffs|first round]], as the Senators entered the playoffs ranked second in the conference and the Maple Leafs seventh.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/standings/2000/conference|title=2000-2001 NHL Hockey Standings|publisher=NHL Enterprises, L. P.|website=NHL.com|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref> While the Senators were expected to defeat the Maple Leafs, especially since they had swept the regular season series against them, the Maple Leafs instead swept the series in a major upset; Ottawa did not score its first goal of the series until 16:51 of the third period in the third game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/playoffs2001/gamescout/torott.html|title=NHL Playoffs 2001 - Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators|last=Clement|first=Bill|publisher=ESPN Interactive|website=ESPN.com|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20002001/GS030123.HTM|title=Game Summary|publisher=NHL Enterprises, L. P.|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

In [[2001–02 NHL season|2001–02]], the teams met in the [[2002 Stanley Cup playoffs|playoffs]] for the third straight year. The two teams were evenly matched, and the Maple Leafs managed to win the second-round series in the full seven games and advance to the conference finals. One notable incident occurred late in game five, when Senators captain [[Daniel Alfredsson]] hit Maple Leafs' forward [[Darcy Tucker]] in a questionable hit-from-behind, which did not draw a penalty. Seconds after hitting Tucker, Alfredsson scored the game-winning goal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/daniel-alfredsson-retirement-ottawa-senators-toronto-maple-leafs-darcy-tucker-hit-goal-2002-playoffs/|title=Tucker tweet jabs at infamous Alfredsson hit|last=Fox|first=Luke|publisher=Rogers Media|date=November 26, 2014|website=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

In [[2002–03 NHL season|2002–03]], the rivalry hit an all-time high during a regular season game on March 4, when Darcy Tucker attacked the Senators' [[Chris Neil]], who was sitting on the bench. This resulted in numerous players exchanging punches before order was restored. Tucker, Neil, and Ottawa's [[Shane Hnidy]] all received fighting majors and game misconducts for the same incident. After the game, Tucker claimed Neil [[Spitting|spit on]] him, an allegation which Neil denied. The NHL board looked into this claim and concluded that Tucker's allegation was false. Tempers remained frayed, especially with 1:23 to play, when Toronto's [[Tie Domi]] went after the Senators' [[Magnus Arvedson]], throwing several punches at him. Video evidence showed Arvedson spearing Domi just prior, awaiting the faceoff. Domi received a roughing minor, instigator minor, fighting major, misconduct and game misconduct. Arvedson did not get a penalty on the play. Suspensions were announced a few hours after Tucker and Domi appeared at NHL head offices in Toronto for a hearing. Tucker was suspended for five games, without pay, after it was determined that Neil did not spit at Toronto's bench. Domi was suspended for three games, also without pay. A total of 163 minutes in penalties were called in the game.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/sport/archives/2003/03/07/197156|title=Tucker, Domi suspended for brawling|date=March 7, 2003|newspaper=Taipei Times|access-date=July 14, 2023}}</ref>

On January 6, 2004, during a game against the [[Nashville Predators]], Toronto captain [[Mats Sundin]]'s stick broke on an attempted shot at the blue line and he threw it away in disgust. Instead of hitting the glass, the stick accidentally went over the boards and into the crowd, and the NHL reacted by giving Sundin a one-game suspension.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=1702806|title=Sundin heaved broken stick into stands|publisher=ESPN Interactive, Inc.|date=January 7, 2004|website=ESPN.com|access-date=July 14, 2023}}</ref> The game he was suspended for was a game against the Senators in Toronto; during the game, Daniel Alfredsson's stick broke, and he immediately faked a toss of his stick into the stands. This caused an uproar with the Maple Leafs, in part because they also lost the game 7–1. Alfredsson dismissed the Maple Leafs' reaction, calling it an overreaction. This incident added to the rivalry, and Maple Leafs fans booed Alfredsson at every opportunity for the remainder of his career.<ref>{{cite news|last=Feschuk|first=Dave|title=Ottawa Senators' plan to halt blue wave from Leafland doomed to fail: Feschu |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2013/02/13/ottawa_senators_plan_to_halt_blue_wave_from_leafland_doomed_to_fail_feschuk.html|newspaper=Toronto Star|access-date=January 28, 2023|date=February 13, 2013}}</ref>

Ottawa and Toronto matched up in the [[2004 Stanley Cup playoffs|playoffs]] for the fourth time in five years in [[2003–04 NHL season|2003–04]]. After the Maple Leafs took game five to lead the series 3–2, Alfredsson guaranteed a Senators victory in game six. He delivered on his promise, but Ottawa goaltender [[Patrick Lalime]] turned in a lacklustre performance in the series-deciding game seven, allowing two soft goals to [[Joe Nieuwendyk]], and the Maple Leafs won the series.<ref>{{cite news|date=April 21, 2004|title=Maple Leafs Are Game 7 Winners|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-apr-21-sp-nhl21-story.html|access-date=May 9, 2021|newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Lapointe|first=Joe|date=April 21, 2004|title=HOCKEY; Belfour Makes the Difference for the Leafs|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/21/sports/hockey-belfour-makes-the-difference-for-the-leafs.html|access-date=May 9, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

===Post-lockout era===
In [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06]], the two teams nearly met again in the playoffs, but the Maple Leafs missed qualifying by two points. As the Senators clinched the top spot in the Eastern Conference, the Maple Leafs claiming eighth position would have ensured a first-round match-up.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeynut.com/0506/stand0506.html|title=2005-06 NHL Standings|publisher=The Hockey Nut|date=April 18, 2006|website=HockeyNut.org|access-date=July 14, 2023}}</ref> The Senators largely dominated the season series by winning seven of the eight games (including three routs of 8–0, 8–2 and 7–0).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeynut.com/0506/torsched0506.html|title=2005-06 Toronto Maple Leafs schedule and scores|publisher=The Hockey Nut|website=HockeyNut.org|access-date=July 14, 2023}}</ref>

In [[2006–07 NHL season|2006–07]], the Maple Leafs failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing in ninth position and missing for a second consecutive year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeynut.com/0607/stand0607.html|title=2006-07 NHL Standings|publisher=The Hockey Nut|date=April 8, 2007|website=HockeyNut.org|access-date=July 14, 2023}}</ref> Meanwhile, the Senators made it to the [[2007 Stanley Cup Final|Stanley Cup Final]] and became the first Ontario-based team to reach the NHL's championship series since the Maple Leafs' [[1967 Stanley Cup Final|most recent title]] four decades prior.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeynut.com/0607/playoffs2007/index.html|title=2007 NHL Playoffs|publisher=The Hockey Nut|website=HockeyNut.org|access-date=July 14, 2023}}</ref> The Senators won the season series 5–1–2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/TOR/2007_headtohead.html|title=2006-07 Toronto Maple Leafs Head-to-Head Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

The [[2007–08 NHL season|2007–08 season]] was characterized by a share of lopsided victories by the two teams against each other, for example, wins of 5–0 and 8–2.<ref name="2007–08">{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeynut.com/0708/torsched0708.html|title=2007-08 Toronto Maple Leafs schedule|publisher=The Hockey Nut|website=HockeyNut.org|access-date=July 14, 2023}}</ref> The Maple Leafs failed to make the playoffs for the third-straight season, this time by 11 points. Ottawa finished in seventh place in the conference after a 15–2 start and leading the league at one point, barely making it into the playoffs.<ref name="2007–08"/> The Senators were swept 4–0 in the first round by the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] in a rematch of the previous year's series.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/Sports/Hockey/article/415418|newspaper=Toronto Star|first=Damien|last=Cox|title=Pens end Senators' misery|date=April 17, 2008|author-link=Damien Cox}}</ref>

The [[2008–09 NHL season|2008–09 season]] was a poor one for both teams, with the Senators finishing eleventh and the Maple Leafs twelfth in the Eastern Conference. This marked the first time that both Ontario teams failed to qualify for the [[Stanley Cup playoffs]] since the Senators joined the NHL in 1992.

The [[2009–10 NHL season|2009–10 season]] saw the Senators finish fifth in the conference and face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the playoffs, while the Maple Leafs finished last in the conference and failed to make the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. The Maple Leafs won the season series, however, 4–2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/TOR/2010_headtohead.html|title=2009-10 Toronto Maple Leafs Head-to-Head Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

The [[2010–11 NHL season|2010–11 season]] was a poor one for both the Ontario teams. Despite the Maple Leafs posting its best regular season record since the 2006–07 season, the team missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. Meanwhile, the Senators finished with a record of 32–40–10 and missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. The 74 points put up by the Senators was the lowest total put up since the [[1995–96 NHL season|1995–96 season]]. The season series was tied 3–3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/TOR/2011_headtohead.html|title=2010-11 Toronto Maple Leafs Head-to-Head Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

The [[2011–12 NHL season|2011–12 season]] saw Ottawa hosting the [[59th National Hockey League All-Star Game|59th NHL All-Star Game]]. A franchise-high five Senators were elected to the team – Daniel Alfredsson, [[Milan Michálek|Milan Michalek]], [[Erik Karlsson]], [[Jason Spezza]] and [[Colin Greening]] represented the Senators. Meanwhile, [[Phil Kessel]], [[Joffrey Lupul]] and [[Dion Phaneuf]] represented the Maple Leafs. Senators defenceman Erik Karlsson ended the season with 78 points and won the [[James Norris Memorial Trophy|Norris Trophy]]. The Senators finished eighth in the Eastern Conference and qualified for the playoffs, while the Maple Leafs once again failed to qualify for the seventh consecutive season. The season series was again tied 3–3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/TOR/2012_headtohead.html|title=2011-12 Toronto Maple Leafs Head-to-Head Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

The [[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13 season]] was cut short by the [[2012–13 NHL lockout|lockout]], which delayed opening day until January 19, 2013. The Maple Leafs and Senators met five times in the 48-game season, with the Maple Leafs taking the season series 4–1. Toronto finished the shortened season in fifth place in the conference and clinched their first playoff spot since 2004, while Ottawa finished seventh. The Senators matched up against the [[Montreal Canadiens]] in the first round. They took the series in five games before falling to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round. The Maple Leafs lost in game seven against the [[Boston Bruins]] and failed to pass the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/TOR/2013_headtohead.html|title=2012-13 Toronto Maple Leafs Head-to-Head Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

The [[2013–14 NHL season|2013–14 season]] saw both Ontario teams miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2010–11 season. The Maple Leafs and Senators met four times in the 82-game season, two of which were decided in shootouts. The Maple Leafs took the season series 3–1. The Senators would finish 11th with 88 points, and the Maple Leafs finished in 12th place with 84 points.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/TOR/2014_headtohead.html|title=2013-14 Toronto Maple Leafs Head-to-Head Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

The [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15 season]] saw the Senators finish seventh in the Eastern Conference with 99 points, securing the first wildcard playoff position. The Maple Leafs failed to make the playoffs finishing last in with 68 points. On October 22, 2014, the game between the Maple Leafs and Senators was postponed due to the [[2014 Ottawa shootings]]. It was rescheduled for November 9, in which the Maple Leafs won 5–3. The Maple Leafs took the season series 3–2, two games were settled in overtime or shootout.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/TOR/2015_headtohead.html|title=2014-15 Toronto Maple Leafs Head-to-Head Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

The [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16 season]] ended with the Senators sweeping the season series 4–0 over the Maple Leafs. The Senators finished fifth in the Atlantic Division and eight points out of playoff contention. The Maple Leafs had a season finishing last in the league. On February 9, 2016, there was a rare trade between the two division rivals. The trade saw Maple Leaf's captain [[Dion Phaneuf]], [[Matt Frattin]], [[Casey Bailey]], Ryan Rupert, and Cody Donaghey traded to Ottawa for [[Jared Cowen]], Milan Michalek, Colin Greening, [[Tobias Lindberg]], and a second-round pick in the [[2017 NHL entry draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/TOR/2016_headtohead.html|title=2015-16 Toronto Maple Leafs Head-to-Head Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

The [[2016–17 NHL season|2016–17 season]] proved to be a successful season for both teams. The Maple Leafs came into the season loaded with rookies, while the Senators were a mix of young and veteran players. In the season opener, Ottawa and Toronto faced each other. The Maple Leafs' rookie centre [[Auston Matthews]] scored four goals in his NHL debut, but the Senators prevailed 5–4 in overtime. Ottawa won 3–1 in the season series. The Senators and Maple Leafs surprised many, as Ottawa finished second in the Atlantic, while Toronto grabbed the second wild card spot in the playoffs. Toronto fell short to the [[Washington Capitals]] in game six of the first round. Ottawa continued their postseason run to the second overtime of game seven of the Eastern Conference finals against the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] (beating the [[Boston Bruins]] and [[New York Rangers]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/TOR/2017_headtohead.html|title=2016-17 Toronto Maple Leafs Head-to-Head Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

After the [[2018–19 NHL season|2018–19 season]], the Maple Leafs and Senators made another major trade. The Maple Leafs traded [[Nikita Zaitsev]], [[Connor Brown (ice hockey)|Connor Brown]], and prospect [[Michael Carcone]] to the Ottawa Senators for [[Cody Ceci]], [[Ben Harpur]], prospect Aaron Luchuck, and a third-round pick in the [[2020 NHL entry draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/TOR/2019_headtohead.html|title=2018-19 Toronto Maple Leafs Head-to-Head Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

For the shortened [[2020–21 NHL season|2020–21 season]], the two teams played each other nine times in the [[North Division (NHL)|North Division]] as the NHL temporarily realigned the divisions due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|title=NHL teams in new divisions with realignment for 2020-21 season|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-teams-in-new-divisions-for-2020-21-season/c-319844882|publisher=NHL Enterprises, L. P.|access-date=March 5, 2021|website=NHL.com|date=December 21, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2020-21 NHL schedule features Cup champion Lightning on opening night|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/2020-21-nhl-schedule-features-cup-champion-tampa-bay-on-opening-night/c-319876090|date=December 23, 2020|publisher=NHL Enterprises, L. P.|access-date=March 5, 2021|website=NHL.com}}</ref> On February 15, 2021, Toronto blow a 5–1 lead against Ottawa, losing 6–5 in overtime. [[Nick Paul]] of the Senators started the comeback with a shorthanded goal. In the third period, [[Artyom Zub]] scored his first NHL goal on a breakaway after exiting the penalty box. [[Connor Brown (ice hockey)|Connor Brown]] later scored just after a power play, and [[Evgenii Dadonov]] tied the game with two minutes to play with Ottawa goalie [[Marcus Hogberg]] on the bench for an extra attacker. In the overtime, the Maple Leafs nearly scored, however, Dadonov made a save while in the crease, and then was set up on a breakaway. Dadonov scored to win the game 6–5.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Ottawa Citizen|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/nhl/ottawa-senators/senators-roar-back-for-wild-comeback-win-over-maple-leafs|title=Senators roar back to stunning Maple Leafs with wild comeback victory|first=Ken|last=Warren|date=February 16, 2021|access-date=July 14, 2023}}</ref> This comeback marked the first win by Ottawa after trailing by four goals at any point in a game.<ref>{{cite web|title=Senators score five unanswered goals, stun Maple Leafs in overtime|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nhl/news/senators-score-five-unanswered-goals-stun-maple-leafs-in-overtime/atsxnh6nmo8h196nv706gpvpo|last=Spiegel|first=Jackie|publisher=Sporting News Holdings Limited|access-date=July 5, 2021|website=SportingNews.com|date=16 February 2021 }}</ref>

On February 10, 2024, during the [[2023–24 NHL season|2023–24 season]], at the end of a 5–3 Senators win over the Maple Leafs, Senators forward [[Ridly Greig]] took a slap shot to score an empty net breakaway goal. Maple Leafs defenceman [[Morgan Rielly]] responded by cross-checking Greig in the head, leading to a brawl between both teams. In the aftermath, Morgan Rielly received a five-minute major and a game misconduct, and would later be suspended for five games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rielly suspended five games |url=https://www.nhl.com/video/topic/player-safety/rielly-suspended-games-6346828310112 |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=February 13, 2024 |date=February 13, 2024}}</ref>

The Maple Leafs and Senators met once again in the first round of the [[2025 Stanley Cup playoffs]], the first playoff meeting for both teams since 2004.<ref>{{cite web |title= Maple Leafs, Senators set to resume heated playoff rivalry in Battle of Ontario |url= https://www.nhl.com/news/maple-leafs-senators-resume-heated-playoff-rivalry-in-battle-of-ontario |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 18, 2025 |date=April 2025}}</ref> Toronto won the series in six games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maple Leafs beat Senators, win series in six |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/maple-leafs-beat-senators-win-series-in-six/ |website=Sportsnet.ca |access-date=May 1, 2025 |date=May 1, 2025}}</ref>

==References==
{{wiktionary}}
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{{NHL rivalries}}
{{Ottawa Senators}}
{{Toronto Maple Leafs}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Maple Leafs-Senators rivalry}}
[[Category:History of the Toronto Maple Leafs]]
[[Category:History of the Ottawa Senators (1992–)]]
[[Category:National Hockey League rivalries]]
[[Category:Northeast Division (NHL)]]
[[Category:1992 establishments in Ontario]]