The Ottawa Senators are still alive in the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. That's after they survived a nerve-wracking Game 4 at home Saturday night against the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs, who wasted golden opportunities in overtime before losing via a 4-3 score.
The Maple Leafs were primed to send Ottawa to an early vacation after earning a four-minute power play in overtime. However, they failed to capitalize, while also missing the services of star forward John Tavares on the ice in that stretch.
During overtime, Tavares seemingly got shouldered by Senators defenseman Artem Zub in the head, though, no penalty was called on the blue liner. The 34-year-old Tavares later skated to the bench before heading to Toronto's locker room, prompting concerns about the severity of his injury.
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Tavares allayed fears about a potential health issue when he returned to the game just before Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson scored the game-winning goal. Following Toronto's loss, Maple Leafs forward William Nylander and head coach Craig Berube provided encouraging observations about Tavares' status.
Via David Alter of The Hockey News: "William Nylander and Craig Berube said there is no concern about John Tavares' injury since he came back before the end of the game."
The former No. 1 pick overall scored the Maple Leafs' first goal in Game 4, bringing his total to three goals to go along with two assists so far in the first round against Ottawa.
The Maple Leafs, who outshot the Sens, 34-21, and went 0-for-4 on the man advantage in Game 4, will try to end the series again on Tuesday, with the series headed back to Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
