The game tonight was played in Kanata, which over the years has been a 2nd home rink for the Leafs.

It was a hard fought and definitely entertaining game. Especially in the third period.

Extras: Leivo, Fehr

Extra: Calle Rosen

Starting goaltender: Freddie Andersen

Extra: Borowiecki, Harpur

Starting goaltender: Craig Anderson

The first half of the 1st period very much favoured the Senators, as Mike Hoffman had a couple good chances on net and the Leafs weren’t really able to generate anything for themselves.

Things picked up for the Leafs though as the Hyman – Matthews – Nylander line showed more of its ability to control play. This was followed by the Senators holding the Leafs’ zone against the Martin – Moore – Marner line.

Overall, not a good start for the Leafs. The Senators were able to turn their control of the game into an advantage as their 4th line dug in and created havoc in front of the Leafs’ net. Nate Thompson was the one who capitalized on the loose puck, beating a laid-down Andersen. 1-0 Senators.

A better looking Leafs team came out for the second period but were unable to find a look that can beat Anderson in the early goings. At this point, other than those 1st period looks by Hoffman, and a stuffed goal by Thompson, neither side really looked dangerous.

The Senators beat the Leafs again, this time on an actually decent looking play in front by Ryan Dzingel to tip the puck right into the bottom left corner. 2-0 Senators.

The Senators got the first powerplay of the game on a faceoff violation, and were unable to convert. The Leafs turned around with a really fun post-PK shift featuring Marner, Matthews, Nylander, Gardiner and Rielly. They controlled so much it looked like a powerplay.

But the fun would not last, as Derrick Brassard would add another Sens goal before the end of the period to take a 3-0 lead.

About 7 minutes into the 3rd the Leafs finally got on the board with a shot in front by Van Riemsdyk that trickles past Anderson to bring the game to 3-1 Senators.

Not long after, William Nylander and Auston Matthews create an awesome give-and-go zone entry play that leaves Matthews open for a shot in the slot the beats Anderson. 3-2 Senators now.

And then, not long after that, the Senators broke the Leafs’ comeback streak on a great individual effort by Mark Stone to create a takeaway, breakaway, and collect his own rebound to beat Andersen. 4-2 Senators.

The Leafs climb back again, this time on their first powerplay of the night. A shot from the half-wall by Nylander beats Anderson and it’s 4-3 for the Senators now.

Things were starting to look exciting. Mitch Marner picked up a loose puck in front and just missed up high. And then, Brassard put the nail in the coffin with a great shot short side on Andersen, putting the Sens up 5-3 with ~3:30 left in the 3rd.

The Leafs pulled the goalie with over 2 minutes left in this game, trying to squeeze out a win. They would not be able to do so, as Mark Stone fires the puck in from the red line to seal the game. 6-3 for the Senators would be the final score.

Tough one for the Leafs. Next game is Monday night against the Kings, in Toronto.