Game Seven:
Maple Leafs 4 - Senators 1
(Leafs Win Series 4-3)
This game had two defining moments: At 7:41 of the first period, a weak wrist shot by Joe Nieuwendyk eluded Ottawa goaltender Patrick Lalime. 12 minutes later, a weak wrist shot by Joe Nieuwendyk eluded Ottawa goaltender Patrick Lalime.
Ottawa outshot Toronto again. But tonight's Senators' goal was the only one Ed Belfour allowed in the four Leaf wins.
The Senators' power play, the best in the NHL this season, scored once in its last 27 chances.
The Leafs have won five playoff series since 2000, four of them against Ottawa.
Toronto again played without captain Mats Sundin.
Game Six: Senators 2 – Maple Leafs 1 (2OT)
(Series tied 3-3)
What a difference a cheap goal makes. Toronto was up 1-0 in the third period, and the Senators looked frustrated. But after Zdeno Chara scored - on a bad angle shot that slipped past Ed Belfour on the short side - the Senators came to life. Antoine Vermette fed Mike Fisher across the crease for the winning goal. Leafs' defensemen Aki Berg and Bryan Marchment failed to cover either player.
Ottawa was terrible in the first ten minutes of the game, taking several penalties. The Leafs scored on a 5-on-3 power play.
For a long while it looked like another shutout for Ed Belfour, as the Senators rarely threatened to score in the first two periods. Belfour finished with 44 saves, Ottawa's Patrick Lalime with 27.
Toronto's captain, Mats Sundin, remains out with a leg injury.
Game Five: Maple Leafs 2 – Senators 0
(Leafs lead series 3-2)
The Battle of Ontario did not live up to its billing on this night, as two cautious teams gave fans little to cheer about. For two periods, nobody showing much interest in scoring. After taking just six shots in the first 40 minutes, Toronto scored twice on ten shots in the third period.
Tie Domi scored first, when his rebound hit an Ottawa defenseman and bounced in. Joe Nieuwendyk scored second, on a two-on-one rush after the Senators had pressed for the tying goal.
Toronto goalie Ed Belfour had his easiest night of the series, stopping 21 mostly routine shots.
Ottawa’s best scoring chances came on a pair of breakaways, but Marian Hossa had the puck chipped away by a diving Toronto defenseman, and Vaclav Varada lost control of the puck.
Toronto played without captain Mats Sundin, sidelined with a leg injury.
Game Four:Senators 4 – Maple Leafs 1
(series tied 2-2)
Toronto scored first. But the Senators finally broke through in the last minute of the first period. Daniel Alfredsson pushed a backhand shot under Ed Belfour for Ottawa’s first goal since game one. Belfour’s shutout streak lasted 157:45. After that, the Senators looked like the team they are supposed to be, playing good defense and making the most of their chances.
Does Toronto have any centermen left? Joe Nieuwendyk sat out with a back problem. Mats Sundin did not return after injuring his leg in the third period.
Ottawa has over 30 shots on goal in every game, outshooting Toronto every night.
Refereeing standards have fluctuated throughout the series. This game was called tightly, with 16 minor penalties.
Game Three: Maple Leafs 2 - Senators 0
(Leafs lead series 2-1)
The story of the last two games is Ed Belfour, as Ottawa outshot Toronto 37-17 in the game and 17-2 in the third period. The Leafs' goalie said he had a good view of most shots, suggesting that Ottawa must find a way to disrupt Belfour's sightlines.
Toronto's scoring came from Joe Nieuwendyk in the first period and Mats Sundin in the third.
Marian Hossa of the Senators, the most dangerous forward on either team, had 10 shots.
Ottawa center Jason Spezza, in his first game of the series, had just under 12 minutes of ice time and no shots.
Game Two: Maple Leafs 2 - Senators 0
(series tied 1-1)
The old men led the way. Gary Roberts scored both goals. Ed Belfour stopped 31 shots, many of them dangerous.
After a lethargic first game, the Leafs were better at both ends of the ice.
In game one, Ottawa scored its second goal during a 5-on-3 power play. In game two, the Leafs did the same.
Toronto defenseman Ken Klee and forward Darcy Tucker returned from injuries.
Game One: Senators 4 - Maple Leafs 2
(Senators lead series 1-0)
The Leafs scored in the first four minutes, adding a power play goal later in the first period. They were quiet after that.
Trailing 2-1 in the second, Ottawa scored twice in 38 seconds, cashing in on a 5-on-3 and 5-on-4 power plays.
Marian Hossa scored the winner, added another on a breakaway, and looked great all night.
Toronto took 20 minutes in penalties.
Maple Leafs vs. Senators: Series Preview
Stanley Cup 2004: Analysis and Recaps of Every First Round Series
Stanley Cup 2004: First Round Schedule and Results at a Glance
