NHL Playoffs 2025 First Round Predictions, Odds, Best Bets

Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Series Odds and Prediction

The Battle of Ontario fires up with the Ottawa Senators (44-30-7) and Toronto Maple Leafs (51-26-4). This is an intriguing series between two bitter rivals. The Senators are a good team, too, so this isn’t exactly a reward for the Leafs winning the Atlantic Division.

Since April 16, 2023, the Maple Leafs have a dreadful 1-6-0 record versus the Senators. In their last two meetings, the Senators were victorious in wins of 4-2 and 2-1. They always show up to play versus the Leafs regardless of the situation, so I expect this to be a long, physical series.

My concern for the Senators is how fast Brady Tkachuk is going to get up to speed. He hasn’t played since March 30 after playing for roughly 15 minutes against the Penguins. If Tkachuk gets hot right away, the Maple Leafs could be staring at another early exit.

However, I expect head coach Craig Berube to have his squad well-prepared for this first round challenge. Berube was hired for his expertise in the playoffs. The Leafs have stalled out year after year in the spring, so hiring Berube, who won the Cup with the Blues in 2019, is an upgrade.

Failing to up the intensity and interest in winning puck battles has been their downfall in the past. However, I don’t foresee Berube having this squad ill-prepared. This is also the most depth on a Maple Leafs team in a while. They’re getting production from all their lines and not just having to rely on the “big three” of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner.

Auston Matthews is pacing among some of the best… 🧐 pic.twitter.com/Lo08xQcJwJ

— NHL (@NHL) April 16, 2025

The Leafs are seventh in goals per game and tenth in goals against. Ottawa’s issue is the offense can be inconsistent and suffer from cold droughts. The Sens are just 21st in goals for, with 2.9 scored per game.

In a tight series, expect the Maple Leafs to prevail in six or seven games. They are a fine option for your NHL first round predictions and picks!