Max Domi OT Goal Lifts Leafs to 2-0 Series Lead Over Senators

The Maple Leafs grabbed a dramatic 3-2 overtime win against the Senators, with Max Domi playing hero on a quick shot that ended a back-and-forth battle.

“They’re a great team and gave us all we could handle,” Domi said after scoring the winner. “Benoit made a great play and I just shot it.”

The Leafs jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but Ottawa wouldn’t go away quietly.

John Tavares got things rolling, scoring on a deflected power play shot with Matthew Knies causing havoc in front. Morgan Rielly had opened the scoring earlier, converting a nice feed from William Nylander.

But the Senators completely turned the tables in the second period.

They outshot Toronto 13-3 in that frame alone, finally breaking through when Brady Tkachuk made a slick between-the-legs pass that bounced in off a Leafs defender.

The momentum had clearly shifted.

Adam Gaudette tied it up late in the third, deflecting Tyler Kleven’s shot past Anthony Stolarz, who finished with 26 saves in the win.

“I think that comeback gives us confidence,” Tkachuk said. “There’s not one ounce of panic or doubt in this locker room.”

The series now shifts to Ottawa for Game 3, where the Senators will look to feed off their home crowd’s energy.

“Confidence is high but they’re going to be ready to go,” Stolarz admitted. “They will have their home crowd behind them.”

Senators coach Travis Green remained upbeat despite the loss. “There is no reason to panic. I liked the way we played tonight. It’s a big step for our group.”

The game showcased both teams’ resilience – Toronto’s ability to weather Ottawa’s pushback and the Senators’ refusal to fold after falling behind early.

Linus Ullmark made 18 saves for Ottawa, including a huge stop on Pontus Holmberg’s breakaway just 80 seconds into the game.

The series continues to deliver intense playoff hockey, with neither team willing to give an inch. Game 3 promises more of the same.