Ottawa Senators Aim to Drown Out Maple Leafs Fans in Playoff Series
Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer is steadfast to create a strong home-ice advantage in the upcoming Eastern Conference First Round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, aiming to minimize the traditionally large contingent of leafs fans at Ottawa’s Canadian Tire Center. The series begins Sunday in Toronto, with Games 3 and 4 in Ottawa.
Senators’ Owner determined to Shift Home Ice Advantage
Andlauer expressed his discomfort with the meaningful presence of opposing fans in the arena, a sentiment echoed by Senators players. He believes increased season ticket sales and recent efforts to strengthen the team’s connection with the Ottawa community will ensure a more supportive home crowd.
Memories of Past Playoff Matchups Fuel the Rivalry
The issue of Toronto fans filling Ottawa’s arena dates back to the first playoff series between the teams in 2000. Throughout the early 2000s, when the Maple Leafs and Senators met in the playoffs four times in five years (2000-2004), Toronto’s success and the influx of their fans into Ottawa only intensified the rivalry.
A History of Fan Tensions
In a notable moment of civic pride,the Ottawa City Council even considered banning Maple Leafs jerseys from the arena in March 2004. While the ban didn’t materialize, fans wearing Leafs jerseys were encouraged to donate to the local food bank.
Greig’s Empty-Net Goal Sparks Fan Exodus
Andlauer highlighted a memorable game from Feb. 10, 2024, when Ridly Greig’s empty-net goal, followed by a cross-check from Toronto’s Morgan Rielly, triggered a mass exodus of Maple Leafs fans from the arena. Andlauer has said he shared with the end of season meeting that it was his favorite play of the year. Ridly was happy.
Rielly Downplays Incident, Focuses on Playoffs
Rielly acknowledged the increased intensity of the playoff surroundings.
Battle of Ontario Flashback: When Cujo Collided with Controversy
The intensity of the Battle of Ontario, the hockey rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators, has produced many memorable and controversial moments.One incident that stands out occurred during Game 3 of the 2000 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, when maple Leafs goalie Curtis Joseph, nicknamed “cujo,” collided with referee Mick McGeough.
Cujo’s ”Cujo” moment: A Goalie, a Ref, and a Slip
With the Senators leading 4-2, Joseph, believing he had been interfered with, skated after McGeough to argue the call. In a bizarre turn of events, Joseph lost his balance and crashed into the official.
Joseph’s Perspective: Frustration Boiling Over
Joseph explained that his frustration during the game, coupled with his dislike for the Ottawa arena and team, led to the outburst.He maintains that he slipped due to his skate losing its edge,although many Senators fans suspected otherwise.
Aftermath: No Suspension, Just Scorn
Despite receiving a 10-minute misconduct penalty, joseph was not suspended by the NHL, much to the dismay of Senators fans. The mayor of Ottawa reportedly called for Joseph’s suspension, and an Ottawa radio station even staged a bullhorn protest outside the Maple Leafs’ hotel at 5 a.m.
Tucker’s Troubles: Bench Brawl and Radio Retaliation
Darcy Tucker, a Maple Leafs forward known for his aggressive play, also found himself at the center of controversy during the battle of Ontario. In a 2003 regular-season game, Tucker instigated a bench-clearing brawl with Senators players, earning himself a five-game suspension. Ottawa radio responded by creating a profane parody song about Tucker.
Rivalry Remembered: Heroes, Villains, and Lingering Memories
The Battle of Ontario is filled with such incidents, creating a rivalry with both heroes and villains. Even years later, players like Tucker are reminded of those intense series by fans, highlighting the enduring impact of this classic hockey matchup.
battle of Ontario: Senators-Leafs Rivalry Rekindles Playoff Fire After 21 Years
The Battle of Ontario is back. After a 21-year drought, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators are set to renew their playoff rivalry, reigniting a spark that has been dormant for too long. the intensity, emotion, and competitiveness that defined their past clashes are expected to be on full display once again.
Memories of 2004: Lalime’s Perspective on a Heated Rivalry
The last time these two teams met in the playoffs was Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on April 20, 2004.The Maple Leafs emerged victorious with a 4-1 win, a game etched in the memory of former Senators goalie Patrick Lalime. Two goals by Toronto’s Joe Nieuwendyk slipped through Lalime’s five-hole in the first period, leading to his removal at the start of the second. “Right there is where I became the mayor of Toronto,” Lalime said, reflecting on the game with a mix of humor and pain.
Lalime admits the loss lingered with him for years. “You ask yourself what you could have done differently,” he said. “It took years to get over it…you don’t entirely forget, especially as it came against the Maple Leafs, the team we wanted to beat so bad.”
Anticipating a New Chapter in the Battle of Ontario
Despite the intensity of past series,some,like TSN analyst and former NHLer Shayne Corson,dispute the notion that the past Battle of Ontario matchups were overly “nasty,” but that they were “pretty intense.” While acknowledging the pride and desire to win, those involved suggest the rivalry was more about passion than malice.
Lalime recognizes his place in the Battle of Ontario’s history and sees the rivalry’s return as a positive. “That comes hand in hand with this rivalry,” he said. “And that’s why it’s grate that they’re playing again in the playoffs 21 years later. It’s emotional. it’s intense. It’s competitive…It’s the Battle of Ontario. It’s supposed to be all those things.” Hockey fans across Ontario and beyond are eager to witness the next chapter in this storied rivalry.
What can Senators fans do to help create a stronger home-ice advantage during the playoffs?
Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: Your Guide to the Renewed Playoff Battle
Get ready for a heated hockey series! The Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs are rekindling their playoff rivalry after a 21-year wait. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect, from fan feuds to unforgettable moments.
Q&A: Unpacking the Battle of ontario
- why is Ottawa’s owner so concerned about Maple Leafs fans in their arena?
- Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer wants to create a strong home-ice advantage by minimizing the presence of Toronto Maple Leafs fans at the Canadian Tire Center. He wants a crowd that passionately supports the Senators.
- When did this rivalry really heat up?
- The rivalry intensified during the early 2000s when the teams met in the playoffs four times between 2000 and 2004. Toronto’s success and the influx of their fans into Ottawa fueled the fire.
- What’s the deal with the “Cujo” incident?
- In Game 3 of the 2000 playoffs, Maple Leafs goalie Curtis Joseph (“Cujo”) collided with a referee after arguing a call, sparking controversy. Some Senators fans believe he did it on purpose, fueled by his dislike for the team.
- Were there any other memorable moments of fan tension?
- Absolutely! In March 2004, the Ottawa City Council even considered banning Maple Leafs jerseys from the arena. While that didn’t happen, fans wearing Leafs jerseys were encouraged to donate to the local food bank.
- What about the impact of a recent goal?
- On February 10, 2024, Ridly Greig’s empty-net goal and a cross-check by Morgan Rielly led to a mass exodus of Maple Leafs fans from the arena. Senators owner Andlauer said it was his favorite play of the year!
- How did the 2004 playoff series end?
- The Maple Leafs won Game 7 of the 2004 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals 4-1, eliminating the Senators. Former Senators goalie Patrick Lalime remembers the loss and admits it lingered with him for years.
- What made the rivalry so intense?
- The rivalry stems from a mix of pride, passion, and the desire to win. Players like Darcy Tucker, who was known for his aggressive play, also found himself at the center of controversy during the battle of Ontario.
- Is it all about hate?
- Not entirely.While the rivalry is intense, many involved, like TSN analyst Shayne Corson, argue that it’s more about passion and competition than outright malice.
The Battle of Ontario is back, and with it comes a renewed sense of excitement and rivalry. Get ready for an emotional series filled with memorable moments!
