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

By David Morassutti

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Toronto Maple Leafs Game Preview: Renewing the Rivalry 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.

Feb 14, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN;Toronto Maple Leafs right wing

Daniel Winnik

(not pictured) scores a goal against Montreal Canadiens goalie

Carey Price

(31) as center

Nazem Kadri

(43) looks on during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs (25-31-5) @ Montreal Canadiens (40-16-5), 7:00 p.m. CBC

The Leafs are 0-2 against the Canadiens this season, losing both games by one goal.

More from Tip of the Tower

Leafs Injury Report:

Trevor Smith is questionable with a lower-body injury

Nathan Horton is out with a back injury

Projected Line Combinations (Leafs)

Canadiens Injury Report:

Alexei Emelin is out with an upper-body injury

Sergei Gonchar is out with an upper-body injury

Pierre-Alexandr Parenteau is out with a concussion

Projected Line Combinations (Canadiens)

Game Preview

Feb 26, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Dion Phaneuf (3) controls the puck against Philadelphia Flyers forward Claude Giroux (28) during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

It may not have been the best defensive game and they almost blew a three-goal lead once again, but the Leafs found a way to take advantage of easy scoring opportunities from the Philadelphia Flyers. With goals from Dion Phaneuf, Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel—all being linked to trade rumours—and a great effort from Jonathan Bernier, the Leafs were able to steal two points that the Flyers really needed for their playoff run. In his first game back, Phaneuf did not seem to miss a step playing 25:28 TOI (time on ice)—even though Horachek said he would limit Phaneuf to around 22 minutes—and scored a power play. It will be interesting to see how Phaneuf plays moving forward, but it appears the trade rumours have not affected his game play.

Feb 26, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) attempts to grab the puck above the net in the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Canadiens can thank Hart Trophy candidate Carey Price for the way their season has gone. Price has played 49 out of 61 games for Montreal and leads the NHL in both wins with 35 and save percentage at .935 SV%. Montreal ranks 21st in the league in shots against per game, allowing 30.2 shots per game—the Leafs allow 32.9 shots against. With the injuries piling up on defence it could be tough for Montreal to get far in the playoffs, especially with teams like Detroit, Tampa Bay and even both New York teams playing well. The last time the Leafs and Canadiens played each other it was not the best defensive game, but both Bernier and Price were both in top form. Expect things to be different this time.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Mar 1, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Phil Kessel (81) scores a goal against Montreal Canadiens goalie Peter Budaj (30) during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Kessel career vs MTL: 47 GP- 16 goals- 25 assists- 41 PTS

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

Nazem Kadri career vs MTL: 17 GP- 3 goals- 5 assists- 8 PTS

Dion Phaneuf career vs MTL: 30 GP- 9 goals- 15 assists- 24 PTS

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

Jonathan Bernier career vs MTL: 7 GP- Record: 1-4-2, 3.11 GAA- .903 SV%

Montreal Canadiens:

Feb 14, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher (11) on his way to score a goal against Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) and defenseman Stephane Robidas (12) and center Alex Galchenyuk (27) during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Max Pacioretty career vs TOR: 27 GP – 12 goals, 6 assists – 18 PTS

P.K. Subban career vs TOR: 23 GP – 3 goals, 9 assists – 12 PTS

David Desharnais career vs TOR: 21 GP- 2 goals- 11 assists- 13 PTS

Tomas Plekanec career vs TOR: 59 GP- 14 goals- 23 assists- 37 PTS

Brendan Gallagher career vs TOR: 11 GP – 5 goals, 2 assists – 7 PTS

Carey Price career vs TOR: 29 GP- Record: 15-13-1, 2.67 GAA- .915 SV%

Keys to Victory

Feb 14, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Phil Kessel (81) shoots on Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

The Leafs need to get traffic in front of Price and make every save hard for him. The best chances to score on Price come from in tight, so if the Leafs can get players open in the slot it will hard for Price to react quickly to the save. Do not expect Price to give up many goals along the boards or catch him cheating. The Leafs have to be willing to do the dirty work to beat him.

Feb 14, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) makes a save against Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) as center Leo Komarov (47) defends during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

The Habs like to crash the front of the net so the Leafs will have to make sure that they do not leave a player like Gallagher open in front of the net to get a rebound or many chances in tight. The Canadiens also like to use the point shot with a player like Subban or Andrei Markov who can unload a hard shot from the point or move up and tee one off. If they can try to force Montreal to the outside or behind the net, the Leafs may be able to limit the scoring chances.

The Leafs need to bring the intensity and physical play to the Canadiens and try to wear them down. If the Leafs can be physical against the Habs defence, which is battling injuries, the top guys will struggle to play top minutes. Then the Leafs can use their speed to elude checks and create more space for themselves in the offensive zone.

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