The NHL Regular Season is set to kick off with an exciting game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Scotiabank Arena. Both teams will be eager to start their season on a high note, with the game scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+.
Under the leadership of head coach Martin St. Louis, the Montreal Canadiens are looking to improve on their previous regular season record of 40-31-11. Last season, they ranked 8th in the Eastern Conference and 5th in the Atlantic Division. Despite their efforts, the Canadiens were eliminated in the first round of the postseason, losing 1-4.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs, coached by Craig Berube, had an impressive last season with a 52-26-4 record, securing the top spot in their division. They advanced past the first round of the playoffs with a 4-2 victory but were halted in the Eastern Semifinals. As they gear up for the new season, they enter this game as favorites with a moneyline of -169.
Maple Leafs vs Canadiens At a Glance
- Game Location: Scotiabank Arena
- Game Time: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Toronto Maple Leafs Last Season Record: 52-26-4
- Montreal Canadiens Last Season Record: 40-31-11
- Odds Favorite: Toronto Maple Leafs with a MoneyLine of -169
Maple Leafs Look to Start Strong Against Canadiens in Season Opener
Key Players to Watch
Auston Matthews enters the season with expectations to lead the Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite a challenging previous season, he appears fully healthy and ready to return to form. Matthews aims to guide the Leafs in pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
William Nylander, coming off a career-best 45-goal season, is expected to play a more significant role following Mitch Marner’s departure. Nylander is poised to potentially achieve his first 100-point season.
Matias Maccelli, acquired in the offseason, joins the top line alongside Matthews and Matthew Knies. Maccelli brings competitive energy and playmaking ability, which could elevate the Leafs’ offensive output.
Rising Stars and Depth Additions
Easton Cowan, the Maple Leafs’ top prospect, has been recalled and is on the radar for a potential NHL debut. His performance in training camp and preseason has shown significant improvement, earning praise from the coaching staff.
Sammy Blais, recently claimed off waivers, adds depth to the forward group and is familiar with head coach Craig Berube’s system. Blais, a physical player, will likely rotate on the fourth line and contribute to the team’s overall toughness.
Cayden Primeau joins the team as a backup goaltender, adding depth to the goaltending roster. With Joseph Woll out, Primeau’s role becomes crucial as he may see NHL starts early in the season.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 5: 4-1 (80.0%)
- SU All Games: 41-26 (61.2%)
- SU as Favorite: 32-18 (64.0%)
- Puckline Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Puckline All Games: 36-31 (53.7%)
- O/U All Games: 28-39 (41.8%)
The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to start their 2025-26 season against the Montreal Canadiens, aiming for a strong opening performance. With a lineup featuring a mix of established stars and new additions, the Leafs are poised to compete in the Atlantic Division.
Under head coach Craig Berube, the team is focusing on a more adaptive style of play. This season is pivotal for the Leafs, who aim to improve on last year’s outcomes and make a deep playoff run.
Montreal Canadiens Set to Begin Season with a New Look and Ambitions
Season Opener Against the Maple Leafs
The Montreal Canadiens are gearing up for their first regular season game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This marks the beginning of an exciting 82-game journey for the team. With significant changes during the off-season, the Canadiens aim to showcase their new strengths.
Key players such as Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield are expected to lead the offensive charge. Both players had standout performances last season, with Suzuki racking up 89 points and Caufield contributing 70 points.
Spotlight on Top Players
Nick Suzuki, the Canadiens’ center, was instrumental in the previous season, playing all 82 games and scoring 30 goals. His leadership on and off the ice will be crucial as the team looks to improve their standings.
Right winger Cole Caufield also played a pivotal role with 37 goals last season. Known for his sharp shooting and agility, Caufield will be a player to watch as he looks to build on his success.
Defensive Strength
Lane Hutson, a young defenseman, made an impressive debut last season with 66 points, tying him for sixth among league defensemen. His ability to contribute offensively and defensively makes him a key asset for the Canadiens.
Veteran defenseman Noah Dobson, acquired from the Islanders, adds depth to the defensive lineup. His experience will be invaluable as the Canadiens aim to tighten their defense this season.
Goaltending Expectations
In net, Sam Montembeault will be the primary goaltender after securing 31 wins last season. With 1513 saves, Montembeault proved to be a reliable presence between the pipes.
Backup goalie Jakub Dobes will support Montembeault, bringing fresh energy and potential to the goaltending team. His performance in 16 games last season showed promise for future contributions.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 5: 4-1 (80.0%)
- SU Last 10: 6-4 (60.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 7-4 (63.6%)
- SU as Underdog: 23-27 (46.0%)
- Puckline Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Puckline All Games: 25-36 (41.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 4-6 (40.0%)
The Canadiens will look to build on their positive betting trends from last season. Their performance as favorites and in recent games provides optimism for their betting prospects this year.
Maple Leafs vs Canadiens Prediction: Maple Leafs -169
The Toronto Maple Leafs open their season against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. Coming off a strong season with a record of 52-26-4, the Maple Leafs look poised to start the new campaign on a high note.
Despite the offseason departure of Mitch Marner, the Maple Leafs’ lineup remains formidable with key players like Auston Matthews and William Nylander leading the charge. The recent acquisition of Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth adds depth to their offensive lines, potentially giving them an edge over Montreal.
Montreal concluded the preseason with a 4-2 record but showed signs of struggle in their final warm-up game, particularly on the power play. Given their historical challenges against Toronto, the Canadiens may find it difficult to secure a win on the road.
Considering Toronto’s solid home record and their status as favorites, the smart pick here is the Maple Leafs at -169. We expect Toronto to take advantage of their offensive depth and win 4-2.
- Maple Leafs vs Canadiens Prediction: Maple Leafs -169
- Maple Leafs vs Canadiens Score: Maple Leafs 4 – Canadiens 2
