Treliving Anticipates Intense Playoff Battle Between Maple Leafs and Senators

Brad Treliving, the general manager for Toronto, has not experienced a Battle of Ontario firsthand. However, he is familiar with the intense atmosphere of playoff games against a provincial rival, having previously held the same position in Calgary, where the Flames and Edmonton Oilers engaged in numerous heated contests.

Treliving acknowledged the excitement surrounding the playoffs, particularly when a rivalry with a rich history is involved. He highlighted the significance for the province and the league, emphasizing the quality of the teams and the passionate fan bases.

As Treliving spoke, several Maple Leafs players were participating in an optional practice. They are preparing to host the Ottawa Senators in Toronto for the first playoff game on Sunday. This marks the fifth time the teams have met in the playoffs, but the first in over two decades. Their previous encounters, from 2000 to 2004, were particularly intense, with Toronto emerging victorious each time.

Treliving noted the emotional investment evident in past matchups. Toronto enters the first round as a division champion for the first time in 25 years in a non-pandemic season. Ottawa, after a strong second half, secured a wild-card berth, having won all three regular-season games against Toronto.

Treliving acknowledged Ottawa's skill, depth, and coaching, recognizing the challenges they pose. Ottawa last reached the postseason in 2017, while the Maple Leafs have been in the playoffs for nine consecutive years, advancing past the first round only once during that period. Toronto last won the Stanley Cup in 1967.

Toronto concluded the regular season with a victory over the Detroit Red Wings, finishing with a 52-26-4 record. Treliving emphasized that the past is irrelevant, as the team is focused on the present. He expressed satisfaction with the team's recent performance and the process that led to those results.

The players are already focused on the playoffs. Chris Tanev expressed excitement for the upcoming games, acknowledging the Senators' quality, work ethic, and coaching. He highlighted Ottawa's structured approach and ability to execute the details necessary for winning.