Montreal Canadiens All-Time History vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

It's the rivalry that splits the entire East Coast of Canada. Growing up in the area, 80% of the population resides in one of two categories: a Montreal Canadiens fan or a Toronto Maple Leafs fan. The fandom has led to many fights, arguments, and battles. However, it is the loyalty to respective jerseys that makes hockey such an important part of Canada's culture. The Canadiens and Maple Leafs haven't played enough in the postseason for many people's likings, as even non-fans of the team like to see these two teams and fanbases go to war.

The Canadiens lead the all-time season series 413-334-88-13. Montreal and Toronto played in just as many regular season games as the Canadiens and Boston Bruins, but it isn't even close to the same number of playoff matchups. The rivalry has only happened in the postseason 16 times. Montreal has won nine of those 16 meetings, including three straight.

The problem with saying the Canadiens have won three-straight is that the 2021 first round battle between the teams was the first since 1979. Both organizations have been contenders at periods from 1979 to 2021, but unfortunately, haven't faced each other in the playoffs. However, for Canadiens fans, the 2021 first round was worth the wait.

Canadiens-Maple Leafs Playoff History

The Canadiens have won more playoff rounds, but the Maple Leafs have beaten the Canadiens for glory more often. They battled in seven final series in their history, with Toronto winning four. They even battled back in 1918 and 1925, before the prized trophy was even called the Stanley Cup.

The 2021 pandemic series is one we all remember. The Maple Leafs defeated the Canadiens in Game 2 of the series, which gave them their first playoff win over Montreal since the 1967 Stanley Cup Finals, which is an important year in Toronto history for other reasons.

The Leafs led the series 3-1 after a 4-0 shutout in Game 4, and felt like they were on their way to their first series win in quite some time. However, the Canadiens won back-to-back overtime games then clinched the series with a 3-1 victory in Game 7.

The legend of Carey Price and Shea Weber in that series will live on forever with Canadiens fans. Despite making it to the finals, the Maple Leafs comeback will be the part of that run that Montreal fans always remember. It's a perfect representation of the cultural impact of this rivalry.