Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens: Buds looking to clinch top spot

The Toronto Maple Leafs will take on the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night. The Leafs will be looking to spoil Ivan Demidov’s NHL debut as the Habs look to officially punch their ticket to the 2025 NHL playoffs.

The Leafs enter the game coming off a thrilling 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night. Matthew Knies went berserk, notching his second hat trick, including the overtime game-winner.

Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner had three points in the contest against the Bolts and will be looking to continue their hot streak.

While the Leafs have already sealed their ticket to the 2025 NHL playoffs, there is still plenty on the line for the Leafs. Firstly, the Leafs will be looking to lock up the top spot in the Atlantic Division. According to Playoffstatus.com, The Leafs can nail down the top spot in the Atlantic with a win over the Canadiens.

But the Leafs will need some help. The Leafs can officially clinch the top spot with a loss by the Tampa Bat Lightning against the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday night. Otherwise, Toronto will need to wait another game to lock down first place in the Atlantic.

Also, Mitch Marner will be looking to reach 100 points for the first time in his career. He’s at 97 points at the moment and could reach the century mark at home on Saturday night.

Matthew Knies will be gunning for 30 goals on the season. Knies is one goal shy of the 30-goal plateau, effectively doubling his goal total from last season.

Lastly, William Nylander still has a shot at scoring 50 goals this season. Nylander enters the game with 44 tallies, giving him a decent shot at reaching 50. With four games remaining, Nylander still has a realistic chance.

Overall, the Toronto Maple Leafs have plenty to play for on Saturday night. So, Leafs Nation should expect a strong outing from their hometown team.

McCabe, Ekman-Larsson day-to-day for Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs blue liners Jake McCabe and Oliver Ekman-Larsson are questionable for Saturday night’s tilt against the Montreal Canadiens.

McCabe hasn’t played since April 2 due to an undisclosed injury. He’s questionable for the game against the Canadiens, but likely returns before the end of the regular season, Mark Masters reported.

In his place, Simon Benoit will pair with fellow shutdown defenseman Chris Tanev. Benoit has been a serviceable checking blue liner this season.

As for Ekman-Larsson, Chris Johnston reported that the Swedish rearguard will miss the game against the Canadiens. Ekman-Larsson played in the game against Tampa Bay and showed no signs of injury. Perhaps it’s just a question on rest.

Phillippe Myers will draw into the third pairing for Toronto. However, with Ekman-Larsson out, it’s unclear who could fill the third pairing with Myers. The Leafs have not recalled anyone from the AHL.

So, it remains to be seen if the Leafs recall anyone. According to Masters, Jani Hakanpaa looks to get into the lineup. Hakanpaa skated with Myers in practice on Friday but has not been officially activated off IR.

Hakanpaa has played two games this season after recovering from offseason knee surgery.

Here's a look at Friday's practice lines as reported by Masters:

The Leafs will likely play most of their regulars, though it is uncertain if Craig Berube will rest any starters ahead of their first-round series.