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The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators have a long and storied rivalry that dates back to the early days of the National Hockey League (NHL). These two teams have faced off against each other in countless memorable games, with each team boasting a passionate fan base and a rich hockey history.
02 APRIL 2023
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One of the earliest and most iconic moments in the Toronto-Ottawa rivalry came during the 1927 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Senators were the defending Stanley Cup champions, having won the Cup the previous season. In the opening game of the playoffs, the two teams faced off against each other in a highly anticipated matchup. Toronto forward Ace Bailey suffered a severe head injury during the game after being checked from behind by Ottawa’s Eddie Shore. The injury was so severe that it nearly ended Bailey’s career and forced the NHL to take action to improve player safety. The incident is still remembered as one of the most brutal and controversial moments in NHL history.
Despite this early setback, the Maple Leafs and Senators continued to develop a heated rivalry on the ice. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the two teams faced off against each other in several playoff series. One of the most memorable of these was the 2002 Eastern Conference semifinals. The Maple Leafs and Senators split the first four games of the series, setting up a pivotal Game 5 in Toronto. The game went to overtime, and it was Leafs forward Gary Roberts who scored the game-winning goal to give Toronto a 3-2 series lead. The Leafs would go on to win the series in seven games, sending them to the Eastern Conference Finals.
More recently, the rivalry between these two teams has taken on a new intensity with the emergence of young stars on both sides. The Maple Leafs boast one of the most talented rosters in the league, led by Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. The Senators, meanwhile, have a promising young core that includes players like Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle.
The rivalry between these two teams is also fueled by the passion of their fan bases. The Maple Leafs play in the heart of downtown Toronto, one of the largest and most passionate sports markets in the world. The team has a massive following across Canada and is known for its dedicated and passionate fan base. The Senators, on the other hand, play in the nation’s capital, Ottawa. The team has a loyal fan base that is passionate about their team and their city.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Toronto-Ottawa rivalry is the battle for bragging rights within the province of Ontario. The two cities are only a few hours apart, and fans from both sides are quick to assert their superiority over their rivals. This is especially true when the two teams face off against each other in a “Battle of Ontario” game.
The “Battle of Ontario” is a term that was coined in the late 1990s to describe the intense rivalry between the Maple Leafs and the Senators. The term quickly caught on and has since become synonymous with the rivalry between these two teams. Whenever the Maple Leafs and Senators face off against each other, the game takes on an added level of intensity and excitement.
Despite the passion and intensity of the rivalry between these two teams, there is also a great deal of mutual respect between the Maple Leafs and Senators. Both teams have a rich hockey history and a tradition of excellence on the ice. The Senators may not have the same level of success as the Maple Leafs in recent years, but they are a proud and resilient team that is always capable of putting up a fight.
In conclusion, the rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators is one of the most intense and exciting in the National Hockey League. With a rich history, passionate fan bases, and a tradition of excellence on the ice.
