Game three.

We're at game three of the Maple Leafs first round series and the Leafs are up 2-0. They haven't been up 2-0 in a series in 23 years.

The 2002 first round series against the New York Islanders was the last time the Leafs led a series before game three.

23 years. There are Leafs fans who have never seen this scenario happen before. Those same Leafs fans won't remember the Battle of Ontario either.

It's been a rough year for a lot of us, and let me be cocky way too early, but man we needed this series.

So, game three. Max Pacioretty suits up for the first time and we are in Ottawa.

Well, an hour or so outside Ottawa.

The first period lacks Leafs goals, apologies for spoiling it, but Ottawa is thrilled to be back home where only half the arena is cheering against them.

Not to say they aren't trying, they sure are, but Ullmark and the Sens are putting up a good fight.

Tensions remained high from previous games. The first penalties dished out were matching roughing minors for Brandon Carlo and David Perron.

The Leafs penalty happens again with John Tavares for tripping.

The defense is on top for the Leafs, as they've allowed more shots each game, but they're doing the little things that matter.

And the big ones.

Nylander is convinced the Leafs can win this one, and is doing his best to make it happen.

Brady Tkachuk gets a roughing call, see the refs aren't all out for the Leafs.

The Leafs both end the first and start the second with penalties. Matthew Knies out for cross checking then Nylander goes for tripping.

Then Claude Giroux takes advantage of the advantage and opens the scoring to the delight of a third of the arena.

A minute or so after the goal, both Shane Pinto and Simon Benoit get matching roughing calls.

No goal at four on four but will the Leafs score on a power play all to themselves?

No.

But!

Afterwards Matthew Knies uses Pinto as a plinko board and gets the puck in the bet off him.

1-1 midway through the second.

Timmy Stützle gets up to his old tricks as a stick blade touches his toe and splash he goes.

Another powerplay for the Senators, we're up to four on the night, but they only scored once - and it wasn't this time.

Once again the period ends with the game tied, though each team has scored now, and the Senators leading in shots; something they've done all series. Which is showing how good Stanley Cup winning goalie Anthony Stolarz is.

Here's some randomly found intermission watching:

The third period begins with then Leafs on the offense, taking the play right to the Ottawa end, and Marner and Matthews team up to take the lead, scoring just 33 seconds into the period.

Auston Matthews gets his first of the post-season, and it's 2-1 Toronto.

What were you looking at Linus? The Great Pumpkin?

This is Max Pacioretty's first game this post-season, and he's been making the most of it (aside from not scoring).

The Senators are trying for an offensive push, but the Leafs are locking down the defense, and making it as hard as possible to get anything close to the net. The Leafs are doing so well at that we haven't seen an Ottawa shot on net for haldf the period.

And I jinxed it.

Brady Tkachuk scores to tie the game. I hate it.

Two each with eight minutes to play.

That woke the Senators up some, with more shots on Stolarz following, and the Leafs are letting up a bit defensively.

Stutzle gets out on his own, and a mid-ice breakaway begins with Stolarz out of the net getting ready, and he makes the save on a great shot, saving the Leafs from a late blown lead.

Lots of action in Senators end, with Leaf and Sens players turning over the puck causing chaos. It ends with Marner down on the ice, the Senators trying for a late game winner, pucks being blocked, stopped, and deflected.

Third period ends 2-2.

Once again, to overtime.

Overtime starts slow and steady, with no one wanting to make a fatal mistake. Marner and Matthews can't get anything going. Max Domi gets back out and takes a shot, trying to be the hero again, but Ullmark makes the save.

After Matthews wins the faceoff, he skates right in front of Ullmark, and screens a Simon Benoit shot that ends overtime in under two minutes.

3-2 Maple Leafs is the final score. Toronto Leafs the series 3-0.

It was probably the Leafs weakest game of this series, and some questionable reffing didn't help, but once again Simon Benoit played a key role in overtime, Matthews finally scored, Marner is up to six points as well.

Everyone from the top to the bottom pitched in and got the win. The Maple Leafs are now up 3-0 over the Ottawa Senators, game four is in two days.

Saturday night.

Get your brooms ready.

Game CoverageMaple Leafs Playoffs