Apr 22, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi (11) celebrates with team mates after scoring the winning goal in overtime against the Ottawa Senators in game two of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesIt was another overtime classic etched into the history of the Battle of Ontario on Tuesday night at Scotiabank Arena – and it was a hometown player who sealed the deal.
Just 3:09 into overtime, Max Domi delivered a highlight-reel goal to lift the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators and a 2-0 series lead in their first-round matchup.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe play began with Simon Benoit breaking up a rush in the Leafs' zone, turning the puck up ice, and feeding Domi just as they crossed the Senators’ blue line. The 30-year-old forward then danced through Dylan Cozens and Drake Batherson before wiring the puck past Linus Ullmark, capping off a big win for Toronto.
“It’s a heck of a play by Benny, he made that whole thing happen. I got a little lucky when it squeaked through, I’m not really sure if it was Cozens or who it was, but a little lucky. Then you get inside the hashmarks like that in the middle of the ice, you just got to shoot it. Ullmark is a heck of a goalie, but I’ll take it,” Domi said post-game.
“A lot of excitement. It’s a great play by him,” added teammate Mitch Marner. “It starts with Benny reading that play in our D zone and making a great outlet pass up the ice, and then joining, net front screen. Overall, just a great play by both of them.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt was a special moment for Domi, his first goal and point of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, with his father, former Maple Leafs fan-forite Tie Domi, watching in the crowd.
“Pure jubilation. Obviously, the building erupts, but you couldn’t be happier for him,” said goaltender Anthony Stolarz. “He’s worked his a** off all year for us. He’s a great two-way player. He’s a hell of a teammate in the room, and to see someone like that get rewarded, hopefully it’s the start of something big for him this playoffs.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Everyday is a real privilege when you play with guys like him… For him to he that moment in overtime here at home, is extremely special for all of us. I can’t imagine how he’s feeling," added defenseman Morgan Rielly.
Toronto jumped out to a 2-0 lead for the second straight game, scoring on two of their first four shots. But unlike Game 1, Ottawa pushed back. The Senators dominated much of the second period, outshooting the Leafs 28-21 and throwing 44 hits in the game, while controlling enough offensive zone time to force overtime.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDespite the pressure, the Leafs held strong. They blocked 32 shots, and Stolarz once again stood tall in net.
“Unreal. Great for him (Domi), great for our team. Obviously, we got off to a real good start today. They pushed back hard, and we just stick with it,” said Tares. “It wasn’t always pretty at times, but did what we had to do and got a big play by him. Obviously, winning in overtime is always a great feeling.”
