Matthew Barbolini notched the game-winner, while Artur Akhtyamov and Vyacheslav Peksa shut the door as the Toronto Maple Leafs held on for a 4-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators in their preseason opener.

Calle Jarnkrok opened the scoring in the first minute of the contest, Nick Robertson added an insurance goal, then William Villeneuve scored on a wrist shot from the point, as the Maple Leafs took a 3-0 lead into the first intermission.

Akhtyamov was outstanding for the Maple Leafs, making 16 saves on 17 shots, before Peksa took over, closing out the victory with 17 saves on 18 shots.

Ottawa fought back with goals from Ridly Greig, Arthur Kaliyev, and Olle Lycksell, but it wasn’t enough, as Toronto closed out the win.

It was a spirited affair, as the Maple Leafs should be thrilled with the victory, fielding a roster that primarily consisted of camp invites and players who will start the year with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, against a full Senators side with Jake Sanderson as the lone notable scratch.

Toronto’s top prospects Easton Cowan and Ben Danford were both held without a point, but were impressing during the victory, showing signs of opportunism and strong decision-making throughout the contest. Cowan will be fighting for a place in the opening night lineup, and was paired with Dakota Joshua in practices throughout the week.

It may be the preseason, but it was another heated instalment of the Battle of Ontario. Maple Leafs defenceman Marshall Rifai squared off against Senators winger Zack MacEwen in the second period, after landing an open-ice hit on Ridly Greig.

Toronto resumes its preseason schedule against Ottawa on Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena. It is expected that the Maple Leafs will have more NHL regulars in the lineup, giving head coach Craig Berube some further opportunities to test out potential combinations ahead of the regular season opener against the Montreal Canadiens.