Leafs HC Craig Berube makes his feelings known about lineup changes against ‘big rival’ Montreal Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens face off on Saturday as they renew hostilities in one of the best rivalries in hockey. For a matchup that's been relatively one-sided in Toronto's favor in recent years, Montreal appears to be closing the gap.

The Canadiens have been on fire of late, going 8-1-1 in their last 10 games, jumping to within one point of a playoff spot (48 points). While the Habs always play the Leafs tough, tonight's game also has massive implications on the standings, which we haven't been able to say in quite some time.

Toronto sits in first place in the Atlantic division (58 points), though the Florida Panthers are not far behind (55 points). Points are at a premium at this point in the season.

The Maple Leafs know they're in for a battle. Head coach Craig Berube spoke to the media following the morning skate and echoed that sentiment. Leafslatest on X shared what Toronto's bench boss had to say.

"It's a big game. Montreal. It's a big rivalry, obviously. They got some physical players over there, so we've got to be physical tonight.... We got to play a heavy game," Berube said.

Slotting Ryan Reaves back onto the fourth line shows exactly how Berube expects tonight's matchup to go down. There could be fireworks at the Bell Centre on Saturday night, as Toronto and Montreal never seem to disappoint.

Ryan Reaves will be in the Maple Leafs lineup tonight

Heavyweight Ryan Reaves will draw back into the Maple Leafs lineup tonight in Montreal. The physical winger has been in and out of the lineup over the last month as Toronto has gotten healthier up front.

The 37-year-old has played in 28 games this season and recorded only two points (zero goals, two assists), though he's not known for his offensive prowess. Fighting and hitting are his cup of tea.

However, Reaves has yet to drop the gloves this season, and he recently mentioned he hopes to erase that zero in the coming games. Perhaps one of Montreal's tough customers in Arber Xhekaj or Michael Pezzetta will oblige and provide Reaves with a dance partner on Saturday night. They have a history as he fought both players during the 2023-24 season.

Toronto and Montreal will battle tonight at the Bell Centre on Hockey Night in Canada. The puck drops at 7 p.m. EST.