TORONTO | Anyone who says the start of the calendar inevitably means a meeting between the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs. The two arch-enemies meet again tonight at the Scotiabank Arena.
Here are five things to look out for in this match.
1. Jake Allen in net
Photo Martin Chevalier
It is Jake Allen who has the honor of starting the season in front of the Canadian’s goal. Like Samuel Montembeault, he did not have an exceptional camp. In 89 minutes of action, he conceded an average of 4.02 goals and maintained an efficiency ratio of 0.854. Statistics barely higher than those of Bécancourois. To their credit, with only six preseason games, it’s difficult to completely shake off the rust. Additionally, we can expect Montembeault to face shots from Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks at the Bell Center on Saturday. We could even see a substitution system at the start of the season.
2. Josh Anderson on the first line
Martin Chevalier / JdeM
In this first game of the season, Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki will see Josh Anderson on the right side. The experience was inconclusive last year, but the big forward is still performing well against the Maple Leafs. However, we can assume that Sean Monahan would have gotten this chair if Christian Dvorak had been healthy to start the season. In the veteran’s absence, St. Louis prefers a strong center line.
3. Xhekaj on the massive attack
Photo AFP
It seems that Martin St-Louis has planned greater responsibility for Arber Xhekaj. Given the pre-season game in Ottawa and recent training sessions, he will be at the forefront of the second wave of the massive attack. It’s a position he also held last year, although more sporadically.
4. Baptism for Newhook and Pearson
Photo Martin Chevalier
Alex Newhook and Tanner Pearson will play their first official game in the Canadian jersey. To the left of Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky, Newhook will bring an interesting dimension. His speed and creativity will serve his two more impressive linemates well. Pearson will form the Gray Hair trio with Sean Monahan and Brendan Gallagher.
5. High expectations in Toronto
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There’s nothing like a visit from the Canadiens to ignite the spark of a season in Toronto. Of course we dream of the Stanley Cup in the Queen City. The expectations are high and the Maple Leafs players are well aware of it. It is therefore in their interest to start this campaign on the right foot.