Canadiens to Surpass Leafs in Standings: Sunday Analysis

The rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens has a storied history. For many years, the Leafs have been the stronger team in the regular season. However, in the 2021 playoffs, the Canadiens secured a remarkable comeback series victory against Toronto. Fast forward to the current season, and the Canadiens are showcasing significant improvement.

Canadiens and Leafs Race for the Top

As it stands, the Canadiens are in an intriguing position in the Atlantic Division. They are currently tied at the top, with the Maple Leafs just one point behind. This is a noteworthy development, as Montreal is demonstrating a fast-paced and aggressive playing style.

• Current Atlantic Division standings show Montreal leading, with Toronto close behind.
• Montreal’s recent games have been thrilling, contributing to their rise in the rankings.

Impact of Player Moves

This season, the Leafs are facing challenges, especially after losing key player Mitch Marner. His absence has diminished their offensive potency and has leveled the competitive field. Toronto has welcomed new players like Nic Roy and Matias Maccelli, but they have yet to establish a significant impact.

In contrast, the Canadiens feature stronger puck movers on defense, including Lane Hutson and Mike Matheson. This depth could be crucial for generating offense as the season progresses.

Goaltending Concerns for Toronto

Toronto’s goaltending situation raises some alarms. With Joseph Woll away from the team, the responsibilities have shifted largely to Anthony Stolarz. Stolarz has limited experience, and expectations for him to replicate last year’s performance may be unrealistic.

Meanwhile, Montreal appears poised to capitalize on any potential slip-ups by the Leafs. If Toronto cannot improve their performance soon, the Canadiens could take advantage of the situation and surpass them in the standings.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, the potential exists for both teams to qualify for the playoffs. The Canadiens could see an increase in their point tally, while the Leafs might regress. Last season, Toronto amassed 108 points, while Montreal finished with 91. A scenario where Montreal improves by 9 or 10 points is entirely plausible, especially if the Leafs struggle to maintain their previous pace.

Conclusion

This current season presents a unique opportunity for the Canadiens to re-establish their dominance over the Maple Leafs. As both teams face their respective challenges, fans can look forward to an exciting battle in the Atlantic Division.