Canadiens at Maple Leafs: 5 things you should know

Article content

Here are five things you should know about the Caadiens-Maple Leafs game in Toronto Wednesday (7 p.m., Sportsnet, TVA Sports, TSN 690 Radio):

New division, old rival:This game marks the debut of the seven-team Canadian division and it will feature a Montreal-Toronto rivalry which predates the establishment of the NHL. The handicapppers have established the Maple Leafs as the favourite in the division while there is a consensus that the Canadiens are the most improved team but could still be in a battle for a playoff position. The form goes out the widow when these teams meet and there couldn’t be a more fitting matchup to kick off what promises to a unique season.

Getting to know you: With six new faces in the lineup, a short training camp and three young centres, the Canadiens will be learning on the job. The only forward line intact from last season has Phil Danault between Tomas Tatar and Brendan Gallagher, and they be called on to a have quick start as the other lines come together. There has been a focus on Nick Suzuki and Jesperi Kotkanemi, who will get a boost from the additions of Josh Anderson and Tyler Toffoli, respectively, but look for Jake Evans to surprise a lot of people. He joins Artturi Lehkonen and Paul Byron on a hard-working fourth line which is capable of turning defence into offence.