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Montreal Canadiens: The End of the Leafs Streak

By Omar L

MONTREAL, QC - OCTOBER 29: = multiple players looking at the puck away from them, Toronto Maple Leafs Right Wing Connor Brown (12), Toronto Maple Leafs Left Wing Leo Komarov (47), Montreal Canadiens Defenceman Jeff Petry (26) and Montreal Canadiens Center Torrey Mitchell (17) all in the frame during the Toronto Maple Leafs versus the Montreal Canadiens game on October 29, 2016 at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - OCTOBER 29: = multiple players looking at the puck away from them, Toronto Maple Leafs Right Wing Connor Brown (12), Toronto Maple Leafs Left Wing Leo Komarov (47), Montreal Canadiens Defenceman Jeff Petry (26) and Montreal Canadiens Center Torrey Mitchell (17) all in the frame during the Toronto Maple Leafs versus the Montreal Canadiens game on October 29, 2016 at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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On this week’s Twitter Poll Thursday, we ask Montreal Canadiens fans whether they feel the 14 game winning streak against the Leafs will come to an end.

The start of the Montreal Canadiens season hasn’t been filled with too many laughs and smiles. New players have failed to impress and returning players have failed to produce. Additionally, the team’s goal scoring demons have returned to haunt them. They’ve played overall good games, save for the one against the Buffalo Sabres, but haven’t been able to capitalize on their chances.

Watching other teams engage in these high scoring games hasn’t helped fans with their patience. The Habs are 1-4 and have found the back of the net four times. Twice shorthanded and twice at even strength with their power play unable to score yet.

Their next game will be a special one. Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs. In any other instant, seeing that on the schedule would bring a smile to a Habs fan’s face. They haven’t been able to beat Montreal since January 18th 2014, nearly four years ago.

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The matchups between the two teams were more evenly matched last year however, the Canadiens still handed the Leafs loses 13 and 14. It’s a little different now. The Leafs are an offensive juggernaut at the moment while the Montreal Canadiens are waiting to make their rebound.

It’s safe to say that it won’t be too easy on Saturday. Can the Habs continue their dominance against Toronto? Is there a chance that the streak ends at 14? That’s what we asked the fans for this week’s poll.

Poll Results

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It’s pretty unanimous. The majority of the people who voted think that the streak is at a risk. Not so much that the Habs are guaranteed to lose, but that the Leafs have a good chance to win.

Although the Leafs are young, can score like no tomorrow, and have a good goaltender in Frederik Andersen, there’s one flaw to them, and that’s the defence. The game against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday is a great example. The Leafs scored the first goal, but multiple defensive breakdowns cost them the win.

Unfortunately the Habs have had their fair share of defensive errors as well. In particular on the blue line. At the very least, they need to give Carey Price the opportunity to make the save, no cross ice passes or breakaways.

Additionally, they HAVE to score! This isn’t going to be a 2-1 game, it’s going to be too quick and too much of a heated environment for that. The odds aren’t in the Montreal Canadiens favour, but it’s not a complete write off. Claude Julien has made changes to the line-up and has challenged the team to figure it out themselves.

It’ll be Jonathan Drouin vs Auston Matthews and Price vs Freddie Andersen. Something has to give, and hopefully that starts on Saturday.

Next: Breaking Down the New Forward Lines

Do you think the streak will come to an end? Let us know your thoughts down below.

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