Maple Leafs vs Habs, Game 1 Analysis: Who Is Playing And Why

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 13: Ben Chiarot #8 of the Montreal Canadiens fights Wayne Simmonds #24 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on January 13, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Canadiens 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 13: Ben Chiarot #8 of the Montreal Canadiens fights Wayne Simmonds #24 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on January 13, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Canadiens 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
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Toronto Maple Leafs
TORONTO, ON – MAY 6: Referee Kendrick Nicholson #30 keeps a close eye on a hit by Jeff Petry #26 of the Montreal Canadiens against Pierre Engvall #47 of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

A Quick Prediction

This article was just a roster breakdown, especially because there are several controversial decisions that I felt needed to be looked at and analyzed.  But it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t give a quick prediction for the series now that we have all of the relevant information.

I think Montreal will make it competitive by pushing the boundaries of what the referees will and will not tolerate.  Expect a LOT of nasty stick-work, charging and boarding, and several instances where a player wearing red is trying to sit on top of Campbell.

Expect the mounting pressure in both cities to climb to astronomical levels of absurdity.  Expect a media frenzy, like throwing chum in shark infested water and tossing in several players from the losing team.  Expect fans to get nuts on twitter.

Expect it all.

But expect the Toronto Maple Leafs to win.   A hard-fought and entertaining series will end in victory for the blue and white.  The Leafs will defeat the Habs in 6.

The Maple Leafs PP will come alive and be a factor, and they will push back physically just enough to not be intimidated.  Auston Matthews will be dominant.  Campbell will make some timely saves and silence the critics.  Price will reveal that he is a mortal and can no longer put the Habs on his back.  In the end, talent will win the day.

Go Leafs!