Maple Leafs Seek Positive Start, Canadiens Aim for Turnaround
Toronto Maple Leafs Seek Positive Start; Canadiens Aim for Turnaround in 2024-25
The 2024-25 NHL season opens with a fierce rivalry as the Toronto Maple Leafs travel north to take on the Montreal Canadiens. Both teams are looking to set the tone for the new campaign, with the Maple Leafs eager to bounce back from a disappointing playoff exit, while the Canadiens hope to improve from a lackluster season. Toronto finished the previous year with a strong record of 46-26-10, earning 102 points, but their journey ended in heartbreak with a Game 7 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins. In contrast, Montreal wrapped up their season with a 30-36-16 record, placing them last in the Atlantic Division for the third consecutive year.
Maple Leafs Look to Start New Era on a Winning Note
Toronto enters the new season looking to build on their recent regular-season successes, having secured over 100 points for five straight seasons. However, their playoff woes have been hard to ignore, as they suffered a first-round exit for the seventh time in eight years, which prompted significant changes within the organization. The departure of head coach Sheldon Keefe saw former NHL enforcer and Stanley Cup champion Craig Berube step in, tasked with turning the team’s fortunes around.
The Maple Leafs also saw considerable roster changes over the offseason. Key players leaving include forwards Tyler Bertuzzi (Chicago) and Noah Gregor (Ottawa), as well as defensemen Joel Edmundsson (Kings), T.J. Brodie (Chicago), and goaltender Ilya Samsonov (Golden Knights). To bolster their lineup, Toronto re-signed forward Max Domi and brought in experienced blue-liners Chris Tanev (Dallas), Oliver Ekman-Larsson (Florida), Jani Hakanpaa (Dallas), and Philippe Myers (Tampa Bay). The signing of Steven Lorentz and Max Pacioretty aims to enhance the depth of their forward group, while Anthony Stolarz was added to strengthen the goaltending duo alongside emerging star Joseph Woll.
Last season, the Maple Leafs showcased their offensive prowess, finishing second in the NHL with an impressive average of 3.63 goals per game. However, they struggled defensively, allowing an average of 3.18 goals, placing them 21st in the league for goals against. On special teams, Toronto ranked seventh in power-play efficiency, converting 24% of their opportunities, but they were less effective on the penalty kill, finishing 23rd with a success rate of 76.9%.
In goal, Joseph Woll will be tasked with solidifying the crease after a promising performance last season, where he recorded a 2.94 GAA and a .907 save percentage over 25 games. Woll excelled in the postseason as well, posting a 0.86 GAA and a .964 save percentage in three appearances. This season marks a pivotal opportunity for him to prove himself as the team’s number one goaltender.
Canadiens Looking for Redemption in 2024-25
The Montreal Canadiens are hoping to shake off the disappointment of finishing last in the Atlantic Division for the third straight season. After their surprise run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2020-21, the team has struggled to find its footing. While the Canadiens made headlines with the offseason acquisition of winger Patrik Laine from Columbus, their overall approach has been conservative, lacking significant free-agent signings. The only notable signing was Alex Barre-Boulet from the Tampa Bay Lightning on a one-year deal. Additionally, the Canadiens bid farewell to Mitchell Stephens (Seattle) and Jesse Ylonen (Tampa Bay) as they departed for new contracts, and the team parted ways with several players, including Mike Hoffman and Tanner Pearson, who remain unsigned.
Montreal’s offensive struggles were evident in the previous season, where they ranked 26th in the league, averaging just 2.83 goals per game. Their defensive issues mirrored their offensive woes, allowing an average of 3.43 goals per contest, placing them tied for 26th in goals against. The power play struggled as well, converting only 17.5% of chances, ranking them 27th, while their penalty kill was slightly better at 76.5%, putting them 25th in the league.
In goal, Samuel Montembeault is expected to take the reins for the Canadiens after making 41 appearances last season. He posted a record of 16-15-9 with a 3.14 GAA and a .903 save percentage, providing a glimmer of hope for Montreal’s goaltending situation.
Conclusion
As the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens prepare to clash in their season opener, both teams carry the weight of expectations and hopes for a brighter season. The Maple Leafs aim to establish momentum under new leadership, while the Canadiens seek to emerge from a challenging period. With a storied rivalry on display, fans can anticipate an exciting matchup that sets the stage for the 2024-25 NHL season. Tune in for what promises to be a thrilling encounter on Wednesday night!
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