As the NHL playoffs begin, fans and teams alike are buzzing with excitement. One player who is clearly fired up is Toronto's own Max Domi, who's not just ready to play -- he's embracing the moment as both a Leaf and a lifelong fan.
Domi has shared his excitement on Instagram with a Maple Leafs hype video, simply captioned:
"This is why we play."
This isn't the first time Domi has expressed how excited he is to get the postseason going. His energy, pride, and playoff mindset have been evident all season-and now, as the first round kicks off, he looks ready to leave it all on the ice.
Much of the conversation around this year's Battle of Ontario has the Maple Leafs favored, but one major storyline has been how Toronto plans to deal with Senators captain Brady Tkachuk.
While Domi's offensive numbers this year haven't been flashy (just 8 goals and 33 points in 74 games), his impact has gone far beyond the scoresheet. He's brought toughness, fearless play in high-traffic areas, and a willingness to do the dirty work. While coaches are constantly encouraging Max to shoot more, Domi still remains the type of player built for playoff hockey.
The Leafs will open their postseason run tonight, hosting the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena. With all the buzz and storylines surrounding this matchup, it has all the ingredients to be a wild and memorable series.