Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens: Game preview, predictions, and odds | October 9, 2024

The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to open their 2024-25 NHL season on the road against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday. The puck drop is set for 7 p.m. EDT.

The Maple Leafs were ousted by the Boston Bruins in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs last season. The Montreal Canadiens, meanwhile, failed to make the playoffs.

Maple Leafs vs Canadiens: Head-to-head & key numbers

• Toronto is 341-347-88-19 all-time against Montreal.
• The Maple Leafs averaged 3.63 goals per game last season.
• The Canadiens allowed 3.4 goals per game last season.
• Toronto allowed 3.18 goals per game last season.
• Montreal averaged 2.8 goals per game last season.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens preview

The Toronto Maple Leafs are running back a very similar core that has struggled to produce in the playoffs. However, during the regular season, the Maple Leafs are one of the top teams in the league.

Toronto is led by its offense, as the Maple Leafs usually go as far as that takes them.

Montreal, meanwhile, is a young rebuilding team who are looking to take the next step and try and compete for a playoff spot. The Canadiens do have some concerns with their goaltending entering the year.

Maple Leafs vs Canadiens: Odds & Prediction

Toronto is a -185 favorite, while Montreal is a +154 underdog at home. The over/under is set at 6.5 goals.

Toronto vs. Montreal is one of the best rivalries in all of sports and once again they open up the season against each other. The Maple Leafs should be able to take advantage of the Canadiens' goaltending situation and defense, which has been lackluster this preseason.

The Maple Leafs should get out to an early lead and hold on to it. Toronto has had better goaltending and defense in preseason.

Prediction: Maple Leafs 4, Canadiens 1.

Maple Leafs vs Canadiens: Betting Tips

Tip 1: Toronto ML -185.

Tip 2: Under 6.5 goals -102.

Tip 3: Auston Matthews over 4.5 shots on goal -145.

Tip 4: Matthew Knies over 0.5 points +100.