If you gifted an Auston Matthews jersey this Christmas, your timing was impeccable. The Toronto Maple Leafs superstar, alongside a resurgent Matthew Knies, powered a thrilling 7-5 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in the first Battle of Ontario matchup of the season.
Offensive Fireworks Fuel High-Scoring Win
Now deployed on separate lines and power-play units, Matthews and Knies were the driving force behind Toronto's offensive outburst. The duo combined for three goals and six points in a game that underscored the competitiveness of the Atlantic Division standings.
Knies, breaking a scoring drought that dated back to December 4, netted two goals, including the game-winner early in the third period. Matthews added a goal and two assists, continuing his historical dominance against Ottawa. The win, however, was marred by the loss of leading scorer William Nylander to a lower-body injury in the second period. The severity of the injury is not yet known.
Power Play Shows Immediate Improvement
After weeks of struggles and a recent coaching change, the Maple Leafs' power play showed promising signs. With Steve Sullivan newly promoted to assist Derek Lalonde, the unit capitalized on its first two opportunities against the league's second-worst penalty kill.
Matthews set up Nylander for a goal just 40 seconds into the game. Shortly after, the second unit connected, with Max Domi feeding Knies for a one-timer. Domi finished the night with three assists. Other Toronto goals came from Bobby McMann, Nick Robertson, and John Tavares into an empty net.
Senators Mount Furious Comeback Attempt
The Ottawa Senators, who flew into Toronto on Saturday morning under NHL holiday travel rules, refused to go quietly. After falling behind 5-2, they staged a fierce third-period rally with goals from Tim Stutzle, Jordan Spence, and Drake Batherson, twice pulling to within a single goal.
Ottawa had been playing strong hockey, having won five of its last seven games entering the contest. Their last four losses had all been by just one goal. The Senators are aiming to finish ahead of Toronto in the division for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
Lineup Adjustments and Rivalry Intensity
Leafs head coach Craig Berube made adjustments on defense, reuniting the familiar pairing of Jake McCabe and the recently returned Chris Tanev. Berube cited their long-time chemistry as a key reason for the change.
For newcomer Dakota Joshua, the game was an introduction to the intense provincial rivalry, reignited last spring when Toronto defeated Ottawa in a six-game first-round playoff series. The Leafs face another divisional test immediately, hosting the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday.
The wild affair at Scotiabank Arena saw Toronto register a single-period season-high of 20 shots in the second period, but they were largely outplayed in the third, holding on for the crucial two points.
