After an eight-year playoff drought, Ottawa Senators fans are embracing the return of postseason hockey, and it’s coming with a familiar foe. For the first time in 21 years, the Sens will face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs in a renewed Battle of Ontario.
The two teams last met in the playoffs in 2004, when the Maple Leafs edged out Ottawa in a seven-game series. Toronto also won over the Sens in three straight playoff series from 2000 to 2002. But this year, the regular season told a different story, Ottawa swept all three games against the Leafs.
Game 1 of the best-of-seven series is set for Sunday at 7 p.m. in Toronto, followed by Game 2 on Tuesday. The series shifts to Ottawa for Games 3 and 4 next Thursday and Saturday.
Tickets for games at Canadian Tire Centre went on sale Thursday at noon, with about 3,000 single-game seats made available. Fans rushed online in hopes of securing a spot, including Nancy Hamilton, who came to the arena in person, only to find out all sales were digital.
“I can’t get them here, they’re totally online,” she said. “I really really want a ticket.”
Excitement around the city has surged, with many local bars setting up special screenings and businesses preparing for a playoff boost.
Lowertown Brewery is installing a massive outdoor screen, and along with 25 TVs inside, fans can cheer on the team downtown.
“We’re going to have our whole back parking lot open with the screen,” said managing partner, Alex Sirois. “I’m hoping Every where’s busy. Honestly, it’s good for business across the city.”
The team’s long-awaited return to the playoffs has also sparked a boost in season ticket sales. Thursday on 580 CFRA, The Morning Rush with Bill Carol, president of the Ottawa Senators, Cyril Leeder, said the team added 1,000 new season ticket holders in just the past five weeks.
Among those celebrating the playoff return is the Harriss family, three generations of Senators fans.
“We’re going to do it this time,” said Joyce Harriss, who has followed the team since 1992. “My husband and I were some of the first season ticket holder, from the day it (Canadian Tire Centre) was a hole in the ground, I can’t wait.”
The Senators last appeared in the playoffs in 2017, falling to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference Final.
Now, fans like Hamilton say it’s time for redemption.
“Toronto, watch your back because we’re back,” she said.
Battle of Ontario – First Round Schedule:
Game 1: Sunday, April 20 – Ottawa at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Game 2: Tuesday, April 22 – Ottawa at Toronto, 7:30 p.m.
Game 3: Thursday, April 24 – Toronto at Ottawa, 7 p.m.
Game 4: Saturday, April 26 – Toronto at Ottawa, 7 p.m.
Game 5: Tuesday, April 29 – Ottawa at Toronto, TBD
