CANADIENS, MAPLE LEAFS BATTLE IN SEASON OPENER
Toronto will host Montreal Wednesday in the first game of the 2024-25 NHL season, marking a renewed chapter in the historic Habs-Leafs rivalry. Montreal is seeking its first win in Toronto since 2021.
TEAM UPDATES
The Canadiens have bolstered their roster with additions including Zachary Bolduc, Ivan Demidov, Noah Dobson, a fully recovered Patrik Laine (who debuted last season in December), and oliver Kapanen, fresh off a strong training camp.
Toronto enters the season following the departure of Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights.The Leafs have added Nicolas Roy, Matias Maccelli, and Dakota Joshua, and are poised to see top prospect Easton Cowan make his NHL debut. Despite the roster changes, Toronto’s offense remains potent, ranking second in the NHL last year with contributions from Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares.
Last season’s opener saw Montreal defeat Toronto 1-0, fueled by a 48-save shutout performance from Samuel Montembeault.
SEASON SCHEDULE
* Oct. 8 @ TOR
* Nov. 22 vs. TOR
* Dec. 6 @ TOR
PLAYERS TO WATCH
The spotlight will be on the captains: Canadiens’ Nick Suzuki and Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews. Suzuki recorded 89 points last season, leading Montreal back to the postseason, and was a dominant force after the 4 Nations break. Matthews, despite battling injuries, tallied 33 goals and 87 points, and will be relied upon heavily following Marner’s departure.
2024-25 BY THE NUMBERS: HABS-LEAFS
(Data from original article would be included here if provided)
