The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 1-0 in their season opener

The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 1-0 in their season opener on October 10, 2024. The game was a goaltending showcase, with Canadiens' Sam Montembeault setting an NHL record for the most saves in a season-opening shutout, stopping all 48 shots he faced. The lone goal came from Cole Caufield during a power play in the first period, assisted by Juraj Slafkovsky. Despite Toronto’s heavy pressure, they were unable to get past Montembeault, marking the first time they were shut out since 2021. Maple Leafs' goalie Anthony Stolarz also performed well, making 26 saves in his debut​. The standout player in the Montreal Canadiens' 1-0 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs was undoubtedly Sam Montembeault. He made an incredible 48 saves, setting a record for the most saves in a season-opening shutout. His calm and composed performance frustrated Toronto's offense, which had nearly 50 shots on goal but couldn't break through. Montembeault was praised by teammates for his consistency and ability to handle the pressure throughout the game​.

Cole Caufield also had a key role, scoring the game's only goal on a power play in the first period, but it was Montembeault's goaltending that truly defined the game. The Toronto Maple Leafs will face the New Jersey Devils next, on October 10, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET at the Prudential Center. This game marks the second of a back-to-back set for the Leafs after their 1-0 loss to the Canadiens. The Leafs will be looking to rebound, especially with the offensive firepower of Auston Matthews, who has a strong track record against the Devils. Expect a high-scoring game, as both teams have offensive talent​.

For the Toronto Maple Leafs to improve, they should focus on finishing scoring opportunities more effectively. In their opener, they generated nearly 50 shots but couldn't score, largely due to strong goaltending by Montreal’s Sam Montembeault. Improving offensive zone execution, particularly on the power play, could help them capitalize on chances. Additionally, maintaining defensive sharpness while sustaining pressure will be key, especially in tight games where a single goal can be decisive​.

The Leafs' next game provides an immediate chance to adjust and break through. The Toronto Maple Leafs are likely to make some adjustments after their disappointing 1-0 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. A few changes could be on the horizon to improve their performance, especially on the power play, which was notably ineffective. They struggled with slow transitions and disjointed puck movement, and returning to a faster pace is essential. Improving finishing on high-danger chances is another focus, as despite generating multiple opportunities, they couldn’t find the back of the net​. There are also expected lineup tweaks ahead of their next game against the New Jersey Devils. Rookie goalie Dennis Hildeby is set to make his first NHL start, replacing Anthony Stolarz, who played well against Montreal but lost the starting role, possibly due to concerns about overplaying him early in the season. Additionally, veteran Ryan Reaves is likely to be scratched due to a lackluster impact in the opener​. These changes aim to tighten the team’s discipline and capitalize better on offensive opportunities while ensuring stability in goaltending as they seek to bounce back in upcoming games.