In the first of their two pre-season meetings, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens each iced a not-quite-AHL-but-not-fully-NHL lineup. For the Canadiens, it was a chance for many fringe players to prove they deserve a longer look at the top level, while for others it was a key game to mesh with their potential linemates for the year.
Toronto was looking to find their few remaining NHL pieces, and help settle their backup goaltender debate. Garret Sparks got the call between the pipes, while Antti Niemi anchored the net for Montreal for the entire game.