> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Season Opener Preview: Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs - URL: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/season-opener-preview-montreal-canadiens-at-toronto-maple-leafs/ - Published: 2015-10-07T16:30:18.000Z - Updated: 2015-10-07T16:30:18.000Z - Description: The Toronto Maple Leafs open their season at home versus their storied rival, the Montreal Canadiens. - Author: Adam Selvig - Tags: Game Coverage, #chorus, #Import 2023-04-05 11:01 Dim the lights and watch this before reading: [Video by Tim Thompson, aka @b0undless](http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2015/10/6/9466653/tim-thompson-the-hnic-music-montage-guy-made-an-incredible-leafs). Ahem. Opening night is here and it's time to write a preview for an actual real regular season game. #### **MONTREAL CANADIENS @** **TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS** ***7:00PM - AIR CANADA CENTRE*** **TV: SPORTSNET, TVA SPORTS** **RADIO: FAN590AM, TSN690AM** **SBN:** [EYES ON THE PRIZE](http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2015/10/7/9464057/toronto-maple-leafs-montreal-canadiens-preview-game-time-tv-schedule-lines-how-to-watch?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) For the past six seasons the [Maple Leafs](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/toronto-maple-leafs?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) have faced the [Montreal Canadiens](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/montreal-canadiens?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) in the season opener, and won 4/6 times (they lost the 09/10 and 14/15 season openers). This year is the seventh season in a row the Leafs open against Montreal and I am right now on my knees begging and pleading for a win tonight. Last season, the Leafs and Habs played four times and the Canadiens won every game. I had that[ stupid Habs flag](https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/the-bet-maple-leafs-canadiens/) hanging outside my house for 216 days in a row. This year will be different! This year will be ours! Let's compare the opening night line ups from [last year:](http://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/preview?id=2014020001&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 2014 Maple Leafs (players gone in *italics* **):** [James van Riemsdyk](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/70845/james-van-riemsdyk?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) \- [Tyler Bozak](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/71017/tyler-bozak?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) \- *[Phil Kessel](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54905/phil-kessel?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)* [Joffrey Lupul](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55006/joffrey-lupul?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) \- [Nazem Kadri](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/71825/nazem-kadri?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) \- *[Brandon Kozun](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/108342/brandon-kozun?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)* [Daniel Winnik](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54625/daniel-winnik?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) \- [Peter Holland](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/71829/peter-holland?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) \- [Matt Frattin](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/130845/matt-frattin?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) [Leo Komarov](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/156612/leo-komarov?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) \- *[Mike Santorelli](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54446/mike-santorelli?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) \- [David Clarkson](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54972/david-clarkson?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)* [Jake Gardiner](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/130014/jake-gardiner?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) \- [Morgan Rielly](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/157191/morgan-rielly?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) [Dion Phaneuf](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54651/dion-phaneuf?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) \- [Stephane Robidas](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55179/stephane-robidas?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) [Stuart Percy](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/132345/stuart-percy?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) \- [Roman Polak](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55153/roman-polak?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) [Jonathan Bernier](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54581/jonathan-bernier?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) [James Reimer](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54304/james-reimer?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) Scratched: *[Carter Ashton](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/71822/carter-ashton?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com),* [Josh Leivo](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/143529/josh-leivo?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) Injured: [*Cody Franson*](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54426/cody-franson?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) 2015 Maple Leafs (new players are in *italics*): James Van Riemsdyk - Nazeem Kadri - *Brad* *Boye*s *[Shawn Matthias](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/55533/shawn-matthias?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)* \- Tyler Bozak - Joffrey Lupul [Daniel Winnik](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/257512/daniel-winnik?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) \- *Nick Spaling - PA Parenteau* Leo Komarov - Peter Holland - *Mark Arcobello* *[Matt Hunwick](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54887/matt-hunwick?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)* \- Dion Phaneuf *[Martin Marincin](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/111593/martin-marincin?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)* \- Morgan Rielly Jake Gardiner - *Scott Harrington* Johnathan Bernier James Reimer Scratches: *Michael Grabner, Frank Carrado*, Roman Polak Injured: Stephan Robidas Frattin, Percy, and Leivo were in the opening night roster, last year, but they are with the Marlies to start the season this year. PA Parenteau switched side from Montreal to Toronto and the Leafs dropped Kozun, Santorelli, Franson and David Carkson! Oh and Phil too... There's not much to compare these current squads, stats wise, and since it's the first game of the year there's nothing to look back on (no, I'm not looking back on last year). If you want some in-depth looks at what's expected for the teams you can check out the [SBN Preview](http://www.sbnation.com/a/nhl-2015-season-preview?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) for the [Leafs](https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/toronto-maple-leafs/) and [Habs](http://www.sbnation.com/a/nhl-2015-season-preview/montreal-canadiens?%5Fga=1.45025318.368297865.1416424079&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com), as well as the[ PPP Preview Poll](https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/ppp-toronto-maple-leafs-season-preview/). Brad Boyes and Shawn Matthias are playing the local boys come home story tonight. Brad boyes has an especially cool story, the Leafs drafted him 24th overall in the 2000 entry draft, but this will be the first game he plays as a Maple Leaf. He was traded with Alyn McCauley and a first round pick (Mark Stuart) to San Jose for Owen Nolan. Boyes was in his first AHL year with the St. John's Maple Leafs, and maybe thought his chances of becoming a Maple Leaf were over. Here he is tonight. Local boy made good. We've seen the Shanaplan in action over the past few months, some more recent moves like telling Robidas to pack it up were good. Some were frustrating. Some were very well received. The eyes on the front office now move to the ice, and tonight we see the Leafs play their first game that matters under Mike Babcock. We've seen eight pre-season games played under his systems with various players. How will the final 23 respond to it tonight? Will the new Leafs put the noise and the hype of playing in the ACC behind them or will the chance to finally live out a boyhood dream take over and cause a nervous first period? I'm excited, the first game of the season is always one to get hyped up about. It's a blank slate, a fresh start, all the hopes and dreams are alive until they are CRUSHED AND DESTROYED. What's the chatter out there today? [Here we go... Leafs' long climb out of rock bottom begins | Toronto Sun](http://www.torontosun.com/2015/10/06/here-we-go-leafs-long-climb-out-of-rock-bottom-begins?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) [Maple Leafs open season against Habs amid low expectations | Toronto Star](http://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2015/10/06/maple-leafs-waive-richard-panik-pick-up-frank-corrado.html?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) [Mirtle: Why the Maple Leafs won’t be a disaster this season - The Globe and Mail](http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/mirtle-why-the-maple-leafs-wont-be-a-disaster-this-season/article26694289/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) [Babcock give Phaneuf vote of confidence - TSN](http://www.tsn.ca/video/babcock-gives-phaneuf-a-vote-of-confidence~721395?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > Jonathan Bernier starts the Leafs season opener tonight. His career record against Montreal: 1-5-3 with 3.07 GAA, .900 save percentage. > > — Jonas Siegel (@jonasTSN1050) [October 7, 2015](https://twitter.com/jonasTSN1050/status/651738616755023872?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) (To toss gas on the goalie fire Reimer's career versus Montreal is 5-4-0 2.88 GAA & .916sv%) > [Frank Corrado](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/143679/frank-corrado?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) will wear No. 20 for the [#leafs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/leafs?src=hash&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) \-- following in the footsteps of my colleague [@mike\_p\_johnson](https://twitter.com/mike%5Fp%5Fjohnson?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com). > > — Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) [October 7, 2015](https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/651725291115692032?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > Bob Cole is in the house for tonight's Leafs/Canadiens game. [#OhBaby](https://twitter.com/hashtag/OhBaby?src=hash&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > > — David Alter (@dalter) [October 7, 2015](https://twitter.com/dalter/status/651764978677059584?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > Seems possible that Harrington could rejoin Leafs and play tonight once Panik clears (or is claimed). Lot of extra work for Corrado/Polak. > > — Jonas Siegel (@jonasTSN1050) [October 7, 2015](https://twitter.com/jonasTSN1050/status/651775099352260608?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > The [#leafs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/leafs?src=hash&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) have given George Armstrong and Red Kelly stalls in a rearranged dressing room. > > — Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) [October 7, 2015](https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/651773746278105088?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > Peter Holland says Leo Komarov arrived this morning and said: "Who is Red Kelly?" > > — Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) [October 7, 2015](https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/651773864137986048?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > Polak, Corrado and Grabner getting worked extra following practice. One possibility could be Harrington being called back up to play tonight > > — David Alter (@dalter) [October 7, 2015](https://twitter.com/dalter/status/651773142499770369?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > Babcock on challenging Price " drive him deep and capitalize on 2nd chances, tough to do as Montreal D do a good job of boxing out." > > — Paul Hendrick (@HennyTweets) [October 7, 2015](https://twitter.com/HennyTweets/status/651778483320922112?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > Tomas Plekanec's next goal or assist will give him 500 NHL points, all with [#Habs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Habs?src=hash&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) [pic.twitter.com/ST7lRa4ul7](http://t.co/ST7lRa4ul7?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > > — Dave Stubbs (@Dave\_Stubbs) [October 7, 2015](https://twitter.com/Dave%5FStubbs/status/651764404174856192?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > Tonight vs [#Leafs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Leafs?src=hash&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com), his first game as [#Habs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Habs?src=hash&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) captain, will be Max Pacioretty's 400th regular-season NHL game [pic.twitter.com/X9hbyt97uf](http://t.co/X9hbyt97uf?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > > — Dave Stubbs (@Dave\_Stubbs) [October 7, 2015](https://twitter.com/Dave%5FStubbs/status/651762774532558848?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) That one never disappoints. Your YouTube clip to get you ready: BRING ON THE HABS! GO LEAFS GO!