Toronto Maple Leafs: What to Look Out for Tonight vs Montreal

The Toronto Maple Leafs play the Montreal Canadians on Hockey Night in Canada

Another Saturday, another game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadians. It is the third time this season that the historic rivals play each other. So far, the Leafs lead the series 2-0.

Both teams were recently in the battle for the leader of the division. Toronto was leading the way in the standings, but they were not, however, leading the way in the hearts of hockey fans.

There was doubt (as there always is) surrounding the Maple Leafs. A win over the Habs this past Wednesday put aside all doubts. That solidified Toronto as the unanimous best team in the Scotia North Division.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens

Toronto enjoyed two days of rest; meanwhile, Montreal was shutout by the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. That gives the Leafs a morale advantage, as they look to win their fifth game in a row.

The Habs will want to either have an offensive outburst or somehow shutdown the Leafs offense. That is because division leaders average just over four goals per game in the last nine games. In the same timespan, the Habs average just under three goals per game.

Things haven’t looked well for Montreal as of late, but perhaps that can mean they will rebound soon. Considering the opposite has been the case for their bitter rivals, Saturday night will not be their rebound game.

Look for goaltender Frederick Anderson to have another impressive game. He is someone that rides momentum, and he has it in his favor heading into Saturday’s matchup. He had over a .940 save percentage over the past three games after being below .900 for four straight games.

It will be a tough matchup for Anderson, considering the Canadians rank fourth in the NHL for goals per game. Head coach Sheldon Keefe may have something up his sleeve, though the Leafs are expected to ice the same lineup as the last game.

Here is everything you need to know heading into the Saturday Night Matchup:

Most Recent Matchup

Defenseman Jake Muzzin led the way for Toronto with three assists, while five Habs players had one point. Anderson won the goaltending matchup against Carey Price with a .943 save percentage against Price’s .870 save percentage.

Injured Players

Montreal Canadians

• None

Toronto Maple Leafs

• Wayne Simmonds
• Joe Thornton
• Nicholas Robertson
• Jack Campbell

Projected Starting Goaltenders

• Carey Price (MTL)
• Frederick Anderson (TOR)

You can watch the game on CBC, Sportsnet, CityTV, TVA Sports, and NHL Network.  If the Toronto Maple Leafs win tonight, it will make them the first team to twelve wins, and open up an incredible seven point lead on the second place Canadiens.