Starting the season on the right foot has been something the Leafs have consistently been able to do in the Matthews era. Since Matthews was drafted, the Leafs have gone 5-0-1 in season openers, including five wins in a row since Matthews’ historic four-goal debut game in Ottawa that ended in an overtime loss. The latest two of those season-opening wins came against the Canadiens, who the Leafs will once again open their new campaign against tonight.
This Montreal team is very different from the one Toronto opened against last season. A lot of the old guard in Montreal has been shipped out, and the keys to the city have been handed to the young guns while the Habs continue to rebuild.