Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 Keys Versus the Montreal Canadiens

As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare to take on the Montreal Canadiens, we look at three factors which could decide the outcome at the Bell Centre.

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It appears the Toronto Maple Leafs can’t get it right, even when they’re trying to lose. While the unexpected win over the Carolina Hurricanes provided some temporary relief, it still threw a spanner in the works in terms of tanking the season.

Of course, even finishing 30th doesn’t guarantee you will clinch the first overall draft pick. However, it still puts you in the strongest position, at least from a statistical standpoint.

Next up is the fourth and final meeting this season with the Montreal Canadiens, who won the first three games. We look at three factors, which will help determine if Toronto can gain at least some measure of revenge.

1) Leo Komarov

With all the recent injuries and trades, Leo Komarov will be a welcome return. After finishing his three-game suspension, the 2016 All-Star will be raring to go.

During his absence, Komarov did not relinquish his position as the Leafs top points scorer. In fairness though, the only reason he is even there, is because of injuries to James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Bozak.

Regardless, the 29-year old will be looking to continue building on his best season yet in the NHL, and prove he should be a part of the future in Toronto. In that respect, he will be boosted by Mike Babcock commending his work ethic earlier this week, saying he is an important piece of the team.

2) P.K. Subban

P.K. Subban may wind a lot of people up, but opposing players and fans alike will (secretly) admit they would love to have him on their team. The defenceman is having another fine season, leading the Canadiens with 46 points, and has an outside shot at a career-high by the end of the campaign.

However, Subban has still dealt with his fair share of adversity this season, including being the subject of trade speculation. In addition, he was recently thrown under the bus by his coach, after making a costly mistake in the third period of Wednesday’s loss to the Avalanche.

While we’re on the subject of the Canadiens coach, P.A. Parenteau has previously claimed he never got a fair chance from Michel Therrien, during his time in Montreal. Expect him to be supremely motivated on Saturday night, likely meaning Subban will need to bring his best effort to the ice.

3) Jonathan Bernier

Of course, you could say the goaltender is always a major key to a team’s chances of winning. However, this will be an important game for Jonathan Bernier.

The former 11th overall draft pick has endured a rough 2015-16 campaign, in the process compromising the belief that he is a long-term solution in net. He is on course for his worst season statistically since his rookie year, when he only played in four games.

On the plus side, Bernier helped the Leafs beat Carolina on Thursday night, saving 30 of 31 shots to earn his first win at the ACC since January 2. With a youthful blue line in front of him, a similar effort will be required to give Toronto a chance in Montreal.

Next: Why shutting down JVR and Joffrey Lupul was the right move

What do you expect from the Leafs against the Canadiens? Let us know in the comments section below.