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Toronto Maple Leafs Game Preview: Rivalry Renewed Against the Montreal Canadiens

By David Morassutti

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Toronto Maple Leafs Game Preview: Rivalry Renewed Against the Montreal Canadiens

We have all waited patiently and now it is time to drop the puck on a new season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Here at the Tip of the Tower we strive to give you as much content on your Toronto sports teams as humanly possible. This series will preview every single Toronto Maple Leafs game and what you should know for the game that night.

Oct 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly (44) celebrates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mike Santorelli (25) at the Air Canada Centre. Montreal defeated Toronto 4-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs (23-29-4) @ Montreal Canadiens (35-15-4): 7:00 p.m. CBC

The Leafs lost their first game of the season against the Canadiens 4-3 and have lost three straight against the Habs.

More from Tip of the Tower

Leafs Injury Report:

Dion Phaneuf out with a hand injury

Joffrey Lupul out with a leg injury

Projected Line Combinations (Leafs):

Canadiens Injury Report:

Pierre-Alexandr Parenteau

Projected Line Combinations (Canadiens)

Game Preview

Feb 12, 2015; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) and Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Richard Panik (18) fight during the third period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. New York Islanders won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

With everything going on with the Leafs and their new vision of a rebuild approaching, there is only one thing fans want more than ever on Saturday night – A win against the hated Canadiens, especially when the Habs have lost recent games against the Edmonton Oilers and the Buffalo Sabres. Coming off a 3-2 loss to the New York Islanders the Leafs lacked a focus attack to start the game, trailing 2-0 early in the first. In their last six games they have been outscored 8-1 in the first period alone.

Dec 18, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel (81) looks on from the bench against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

The Leafs offence has only managed 13 goals in their last 12 games on the road, which has been a major reason for concern with management. President Brendan Shanahan is now looming, with tough decisions to be made on players like Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf, who are most likely going to be dealt sometime in the offseason.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Oct 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bozak (42) watches Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price (31) deflect a shot over the net at the Air Canada Centre. Montreal defeated Toronto 4-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Kessel career vs MTL: 30 GP- 16 goals- 13 assists- 29 PTS

James van Riemsdyk career vs MTL: 20 GP- 9 goals- 3 assists- 12 PTS

Nazem Kadri career vs MTL: 16 GP- 3 goals- 5 assists- 8 PTS

Morgan Rielly career vs MTL: 5 GP- 1 goal- 1 assists- 2 PTS

James Reimer career vs MTL: 10 GP- Record: 5-4, 2.88 GAA- .916 SV%

Jonathan Bernier career vs MTL: 6 GP- Record: 1-4-1, 3.50 GAA- .892 SV%

Montreal Canadiens:

Oct 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher (11) and forward Alex Galchenyuk (27) react to the winning goal on Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) by Montreal Canadiens forward Tomas Plekanec (not pictured) at the Air Canada Centre. Montreal defeated Toronto 4-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Max Pacioretty career vs TOR: 25 GP – 12 goals, 6 assists – 18 PTS

P.K. Subban career vs TOR: 23 GP – 3 goals, 8 assists – 11 PTS

David Desharnais career vs TOR: 20 GP- 2 goals- 11 assists- 13 PTS

Tomas Plekanec career vs TOR: 58 GP- 14 goals- 22 assists- 36 PTS

Brendan Gallagher career vs TOR:10GP – 4 goals, 2 assists – 6 PTS

Carey Price career vs TOR: 28 GP- Record: 14-13-1, 2.74 GAA- .914 SV%

Keys to Victory

Oct 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenceman P.K. Subban (76) defends against Toronto Maple Leafs forward James van Riemsdyk (21) as Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price (31) makes a save at the Air Canada Centre. Montreal defeated Toronto 4-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Leafs inability to produce offence on the road is a cause for concern, especially against Price who has been stellar for the Canadiens this season. The Leafs have to find a way to stay within striking distance early in the game. If the Habs get on the board early, it could be a long night for the Leafs.

Feb 12, 2015; Uniondale, NY, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Richard Panik (18) looks back on his goal scored on New York Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) during the second period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

With Kessel, Bozak and JVR going through a dry spell, it will be hard to rely on players like Richard Panik, Trevor Smith and Rielly to push this team every night. Eventually the top line is going to have to dig in and be willing to sacrifice if they want to break out of their slump.

Oct 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) makes a save on Montreal Canadiens forward Tomas Plekanec (14) during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

It looks like Bernier will get the start, but at this point it is hard to tell what the plan is for management. Bernier will be starting more games down the stretch in order to determine whether he can overcome his struggles.

A loss against the Canadiens would be a major kick to the gut (much like these past few months) but if the Leafs can find a way to come away with a decent effort and the victory it could go a long way to giving them some momentum going forward.

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