Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Air Canada Centre in Toronto

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The Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs will face each other on Wednesday night in each team's first game of the season. Last year, the Canadiens beat the Maple Leafs in three of their five matchups.

The Canadiens finished last year with 100 points and ended up losing to the Rangers in the Eastern Conference final. Their top offensive player last year was right wing Max Pacioretty, who had 39 goals and 21 assists. Goalie Carey Price had another excellent season by saving nearly 93 percent of the shots he faced.

In the offseason, the Canadiens allowed captain Brian Gionta to leave, but they also added a few key players. P.A. Parenteau, who had 14 goals and 19 assists for the Colorado Avalanche last season, should add another scoring option for Montreal.

The Maple Leafs had one of the better power play units last season, but they finished with just 84 points and failed to make the playoffs. Their best overall player was goalie Jonathan Bernier, who had a .922 save percentage. Right wing Phil Kessel led the team with 37 goals and 43 assists.

Coming into the season, the Maple Leafs will be hoping that their youth will improve and that their few offseason acquisitions will help them make the playoffs. Defenseman Carl Gunnarsson, who had 17 points last year, was the team's top offseason pickup.

Injuries to Watch

Montreal Canadiens

No injuries to report at this time

Toronto Maple Leafs

10/06/14 D Cody Franson Knee doubtful Wednesday vs. Montreal
10/05/14 RW Phil Kessel Lower Body probable Wednesday vs. Montreal
10/05/14 C Tyler Bozak Lower Body "?" Wednesday vs. Montreal

Tony's Pick: Take Toronto

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