TORONTO, October 8, 2025 – Happy hockey season! Tonight, the Montreal Canadiens kick off their 116th campaign with a high-stakes clash against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena — a rivalry that never fails to deliver drama.
WHEN & WHERE Date: Wednesday, October 8 Time: 7:00 p.m. ET Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON TV: Sportsnet, TVA Sports Radio: TSN 690, 98.5 FM
Captain vs. Captain: Suzuki vs. Matthews Nick Suzuki returns after a career-best 89-point season and a standout performance at the Four Nations tournament. He remains the heartbeat of Montreal’s offense. Across the ice, Auston Matthews — despite battling injuries last year — posted 33 goals and 87 points. With Mitch Marner now in Vegas, Toronto leans on Matthews more than ever.
Head-to-Head: 2024-25 Season Stats
| Category | Canadiens | Maple Leafs |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 40-31-11 | 52-26-4 |
| Power Play | 20.1% | 24.8% |
| Penalty Kill | 80.9% | 77.9% |
| Goals/Game | 2.96 | 3.26 |
| Goals Against/Game | 3.18 | 2.79 |
| Top Goal Scorer | Caufield (37) | Nylander (45) |
| Top Playmaker | Hutson (60) | Marner* (75) |
| Points Leader | Suzuki (89) | Marner* (102) |
| Plus/Minus | Suzuki (+19) | Tanev (+31) |
| Hits | Slafkovsky (194) | Benoit (204) |
*Marner was traded to Vegas on July 1.
Game Preview Montreal’s Challenge: The Canadiens haven’t won in Toronto since 2021. New Faces: Zachary Bolduc, Ivan Demidov, Noah Dobson, and a healthy Patrik Laine headline Montreal’s revamped roster. Toronto’s Transition: With Marner gone, the Leafs added Nicolas Roy, Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, and top prospect Easton Cowan. Goaltending: Samuel Montembeault is confirmed to start for Montreal, hoping to replicate last year’s season-opening shutout against the Leafs.
Season Series vs. Toronto October 8 @ TOR November 22 vs. TOR December 6 @ TOR March 10 vs. TOR