The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs will meet in the NHL tonight for their first game of the season. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. EDT at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. The game will broadcast live on ESPN+.
The Maple Leafs are favored at -160 on the moneyline, with the Canadiens are +140 to pull off the upset. The over/under set at 6 (-115o/-105u).
Let's get into our Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs predictions and NHL picks.
Canadiens vs Maple Leafs Odds, Pick
| Canadiens Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -190 | 6 -115o / -105u | +140 |
| Maple Leafs Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +155 | 6 -115o / -105u | -160 |
- Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs puck line: Maple Leafs -1.5 (+155), Canadiens +1.5 (-190)
- Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs over/under: 6 (-115o / -105u)
- Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs moneyline: Canadiens +140, Maple Leafs -160
Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs Preview
After a heartbreaking Game 7 loss in Round 2 against the eventual Stanley Cup winners, the Florida Panthers, the Maple Leafs look ready for a new try at lifting the renowned trophy.
They will be facing another playoff team to start their season. The Montreal Canadiens lost 4-1 in Round 1 to the Washington Capitals and will hope to do better this time around with the help of two additions to their roster: defenseman Noah Dobson and forward Zachary Bolduc.
The Canadiens finished fifth in the Atlantic Division last season, with a 40-31-11 record. Meanwhile, Toronto led the same division with a 52-26-4 record, ahead of the Panthers (third, 47-31-4).
Although the playoff failures have taken their toll on the Maple Leafs and even caused right wing Mitch Marner's exit on a sign-and-trade deal with the Vegas Golden Knights, the team added Nicholas Roy, Dakota Joshua, and Matias Maccelli to their roster.
They will rely again on their star, Auston Matthews, and their core to begin the season on the right foot and make another push — hopefully successful this time — for the title.
Our Bet Labs system "Early Favorite Pedigree" recommends backing them in this season opener.
Canadiens vs Maple Leafs Prediction
The Early Favorite Pedigree system identifies teams that made the playoffs the prior year and open the new NHL season as favorites in their first few games against other playoff-caliber opponents.
These teams typically have established rosters, strong coaching continuity, and confidence carried over from postseason success.
Early in the season, their structure and chemistry give them a measurable edge over opponents still regaining rhythm.
Facing another playoff team creates sharper focus and higher effort levels, reducing the likelihood of complacency.
With both sides respected but pedigree on the favorite’s side, early games often tilt toward the more stable, proven contender that executes more cleanly under pressure before fatigue or variance become season-long factors.
Best Bet: Maple Leafs ML -160 (bet365)
