NHL-Caliber Senators Embarrassed by Maple Leafs' Rookies and Depth Players

Ever since last spring's playoff run after the leafs won the Atlantic Division, Leafs fans have been buzzing about the return of the Battle of Ontario. It had been far too long since these rivals clashed on that stage and the series may not have been as rough as it could have been, but the Leafs still delivered.

The Leafs took the series in six games, but that win didn't just sting for Ottawa; it reignited the rivalry. Fast forward to this pre-season, and it's clear the Senators haven't forgotten. They wanted to send a message to the Leafs -- only this time, it backfired.

The Sens dressed nearly their entire NHL lineup on Sunday, headlined by Brady Tkachuk and starting goalie Linus Ullmark.

The Leafs went the complete opposite route. Not a single guaranteed roster player suited up. Instead, Toronto iced a mix of prospects, Marlies, and fringe NHL players.

After one period, it was the Leafs leading 3-0. That's no small feat. Ottawa is a young team on the rise and almost certain to be in the playoff mix again this year, but Toronto's kids didn't back down. As of this article, the Leafs are leading 4-1 in their pre-season opener, sending a message right back to the Senators -- one that says, "not today, boys".

The story of the day might just be how well those prospects held their ground. Ben Danford, for example, made a highlight-worthy defensive play to prevent a sure goal, and his ability to battle in the corners while staying so defensively sharp against NHLers really stood out.

For the Leafs organization, seeing young players step up against a loaded Senators lineup is a huge sign of progress. And for those prospects, it's the kind of opportunity that can change a career.

For Toronto, it wasn't just a preseason game, it was proof that the next wave of NHL talent might be closer than expected.