Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs: Game thread, rosters, lines, and how to watch

On Monday, the Toronto Maple Leafs decided to treat their home crowd to an exhibition of the replacement-level players in the organization. The Montreal Canadiens countered with a few NHLers sprinkled among the bubble players, and Artturi Lehkonen and Charles Hudon performed as they would be expected to in such a contest, scoring three of the game’s six total goals in a 5-1 win.

For the game at the Bell Centre tonight, the Leafs have brought all of their star players together (at least those not the subject of trade talks) for the first time as they get set to solidify the roster. Lines will be centred by Auston Matthews and Nazem Kadri, as well as the top free-agent signee from the off-season, John Tavares, who will probably be given a very warm welcome by the Canadiens’ faithful.

Montreal will also be dressing most of its players who will be on the ice when these two teams meet on opening night one week from now. The forwards have been performing very well so far in the pre-season, and it will be interesting to see how they are able to perform against a lineup with All-Stars pivoting the top two lines. The one to watch will be Jesperi Kotkaniemi, as he plays his fifth tune-up game and looks to hold his own versus what could be the top offensive club in the league this season.

Puck drop is at 7:30 PM EDT / 4:30 PM PDT

How to watch

In the Canadiens region: TSN2, TSN Direct (English) RDS, RDS Direct (French)
In the Leafs region: TSN4, TSN Direct (English)
In the US: NHL Network
Elsewhere: NHL.tv/Rogers NHL Live

Montreal Canadiens projected lineup

Forwards

Defencemen

Goaltenders

Toronto Maple Leafs projected lineup

Forwards

Defencemen

Goaltenders