The Montreal Canadiens will be facing the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs starting next Thursday.
Everyone better be ready to watch the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs’ first postseason matchup on May 20. After all, it’s been 42 years since these two teams last faced each other in the playoffs, so I can’t imagine someone who isn’t excited about it.
I kind of wish I was born back then, even if it’s just to have an idea of what to expect in this first round.
But the reality is, even those who were born in 1979 probably have no idea how this series will go. All we know is that it’s doing to be a fun one.
Montreal Canadiens Round One Schedule:
Only North Division teams will have back-to-back games, and that’s probably because their postseason starts a bit later. For the Habs and Leafs’ matchup, it’s games three and four, both in Montreal.
Here is the schedule for Round One of the playoffs:
Game 1 at TOR: Thursday, May 20, 7:30 p.m.
Game 2 at TOR: Saturday, May 22, 7 p.m.
Game 3 at MTL: Monday, May 24, TBD
Game 4 at MTL: Tuesday, May 25, TBD
If necessary:
Game 5 at TOR: Thursday, May 27, TBD
Game 6 at MTL: Saturday, May 29, TBD
Game 7 at TOR: Friday, May 31, TBD
Round One Predictions for The Montreal Canadiens
1) Carey Price will start in net in Game 1: I’m also going to assume that Jack Campbell will be in net for the Leafs. Then, depending on both their performances, either they’ll stay in for Game 2 or the backups will start. For the Habs, that means Jake Allen, and for the Leafs I’m thinking it will probably be Frederik Andersen.
2) The Habs will win Game 1: If there is anything that we have learned about the Habs this season is that they have been inconsistent. After ending the regular season on a five-game losing streak, I’m expecting them to win the first game.
3) The Leafs will proceed to win the next three: It seems like the Habs had a lot of difficulties winning two games in a row, which is why I don’t expect it to be any different in the postseason.
4) The Habs will win the fifth game and force a sixth matchup: The Habs have also shown they perform well under pressure and like to show up for the big games. Take Nick Suzuki, for example. He has been outstanding and has racked up seven goals and seven assists (14 points) in his last 11 games.
5) The Leafs will win the series in six games: Although I think the Habs could win a few games, their inconsistency will ultimately cost them the series. It could also just be as simple as saying the Leafs have been the better team this season, and will probably continue being that team in the postseason.
So, do I think the Habs have a chance to win this series? Maybe, but it’s definitely going to be a challenge and they’re going to be the underdogs.
But nothing would make me happier than seeing them win it though, that’s for sure.