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Take Maple Leafs to Cover in Season Opener Against Canadiens

· Oct 11 - 3 minutes read

Two of the NHL’s Original Six clash to open their season when the Montreal Canadiens visit the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday. After a disappointing finish to 2022-23, Montreal hopes to get its season off to a better start. Toronto, meanwhile, has higher aspirations following a second-round exit in the playoffs. According to NHL odds and predictions, Toronto is a strong favorite at home.

Canadiens Aim for Improvement

After finishing last in the Atlantic Division and second-worst in the conference a season ago, Montreal looks for improvement.

Take Maple Leafs to Cover in Season Opener Against Canadiens

However, amid a rebuild and following a campaign in which the Canadiens were one of the worst teams defensively, it may be another long season.

Montreal ranked fourth-worst in the NHL last season. giving up 3.72 goals a game. Goaltender Jake Allen struggled as well, going 15-24-3 with a .891 save percentage.

The Habs will try to keep things close against the rival Leafs, but more strides defensively will be needed to do so.

Leafs Hope for Continued Scoring

Following a second-place finish in the Atlantic Division last season, Toronto hopes for another solid season and a return to the playoffs.

The Maple Leafs had a top-10 offense last season, ranking ninth in the NHL at 3.39 goals per game. They may better that rating in 2023-24 after adding forwards Tyler Berduzzi and Max Domi. They combined for 28 goals and 86 points in 2022-23.

The Leafs will be looking to start strong, and their scoring a season ago along with their offseason moves should make them a solid NHL pick to kick off the campaign in style.

Canadiens vs Maple Leafs Best Bet

The Maple Leafs are favored at home and with the sportsbook placing such heavy odds on Toronto, bettors can find more value in placing their wager on the puck line. The NHL lines have the Maple Leafs as a 1½-goal favorite.

The Canadiens struggled defensively last season as well as in the preseason. Toronto had no issues scoring in 2022-23, so it should take advantage of that.

Allen may also have a tough time holding off the Maple Leafs after allowing eight goals in two games against them last season.

Montreal will want to get off to a hot start against their rival in the season opener, but after Toronto outscored the Habs 12-2 in its two 2022-23 home meetings, the Maple Leafs should be able to get the win and cover the spread.

NHL Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs -1½ (-120)

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Canadiens vs Maple Leafs Game Information

Game: Montreal Canadiens vs Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
Date/Time: October 11, 7 p.m. ET
Canadiens vs Maple Leafs Live Stream: NHL.TV

Can the Canadiens upset the Maple Leafs in Toronto?

It is possible the Canadiens can upset the Maple Leafs, but after Toronto has won the last four at home against Montreal and with -300 odds to win, it’s unlikely.

Which player will be the X-factor in the Canadiens vs Maple Leafs game?

After finishing last season sixth in the NHL with a .919 save percentage, projected Toronto goaltender Ilya Samsonov could be the X-factor.