Match Overview
The Toronto Maple Leafs kicked off their 2025-26 NHL season in grand style, defeating the
Montreal Canadiens 5-2 at the Scotiabank Arena last night. The crowd was electric, the atmosphere was pure Canadian hockey energy, and the Leafs looked sharper than ever.
Both teams started the game with high intensity, trading early chances. However, Toronto’s offensive line — led by Auston Matthews and William Nylander — quickly took control of the pace. Montreal responded with strong defensive structure, but it didn’t take long before the Leafs broke through.
First Period: A Fast and Fiery Start
The opening period saw both teams testing each other’s goalies. Canadiens netminder Jake Allen made several early saves, but a perfect pass from Marner to Nylande found the back of the net at 8:42. The Leafs fans erupted as Toronto drew first blood.
Montreal answered back just minutes later with Nick Suzuki slotting one past Joseph Woll, making it 1-1. The first period ended in a balanced 1-1 tie, setting the stage for an intense battle.
Second Period: Leafs Take Control
The Leafs came out flying in the second period. Their puck movement was slick, and their forechecking kept the Canadiens on the back foot. John Tavares scored a power-play goal at 5:10 after a rebound off Rielly’s long shot.
By the 12-minute mark, Toronto was up 3-1 thanks to Auston Matthews, who capitalized on a defensive mistake from Montreal. His wrist shot whizzed past Allen’s glove — vintage Matthews style.
The period ended 3-1, with Toronto dominating possession and outshooting Montreal 22-13.
Third Period: Rielly Seals the Deal
Montreal tried to mount a comeback early in the third, with Cole Caufield scoring a beauty on a power play. But that was their final spark.
Morgan Rielly Toronto’s defensive rock, scored a long-range bullet from the blue line at 14:45, restoring the two-goal cushion. Later, Mitch Marner finished the night with an empty-netter, sealing a 5-2 victory.
Rielly was named the First Star of the Game — his leadership, vision, and defensive composure made all the difference. The Leafs’ chemistry looked fresh and confident.
Post-Match Reactions
Coach Sheldon Keefe praised the team’s balance between attack and defense:
“We stayed patient, stuck to our plan, and executed when it mattered most. Rielly was outstanding — that’s the kind of leadership we need all season.”
Auston Matthews added,
“It’s always special playing Montreal. The energy, the rivalry — it brings out our best.”
Meanwhile, Canadiens coach Martin st.Louis admitted,“We had moments, but we didn’t capitalize. We’ll regroup and come back stronger next game.”
Key Stats
Category Maple Leafs Canadiens
Shots on Goal 33 28
Power Plays 2/4 1/3
Faceoff Win % 55% 45%
Hits 21 17
Blocks 12 9
Toronto’s balance on both ends of the ice made the difference. Their special teams looked polished, and the defensive pair of Rielly-Liljegren showed great coordination.
What This Win Means for the Leafs
This victory sets a confident tone for Toronto’s 2025-26 campaign. After last season’s playoff disappointment, this team looks more determined. The new defensive structure, improved puck transition, and better goaltending depth make them a real contender in the Eastern Conference.
Fans are optimistic — and rightly so. If this performance is any indication, the Leafs are ready to make a serious push for the Stanley Cup this season.
What’s Next
The Leafs next face the Ottawa Senator on October 24. Montreal, meanwhile, will look to rebound when they host the Beston Bruins on October 2023.
It’s early days, but one thing’s clear: the Battle of Canada is heating up again — and this season might just belong to the Leafs.
Really clear website , regards for this post.
This site is my inhalation, really good style and design and perfect subject material.
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
Some times its a pain in the ass to read what people wrote but this site is very user genial! .