If the recent results of the Montreal Canadiens in the opening match herald the outcome of their first game of the 2022-2023 season, Wednesday, against the Toronto Maple Leafs, nothing good is to be expected.
The Montreal organization has lost each of its last four opening games, including three against its rivals in the Queen City. Here is the history of these duels:
2021-22 – 2-1 loss to the Maple Leafs
A Stanley Cup Playoff finalist the previous season, expectations were high for the Habs heading into the 2021-22 season. The 2-1 loss against the Maple Leafs was instead the start of a particularly poor season, which saw the CH change its staff, as well as its head coach. During this first duel, the skaters in blue, white and red came up against a Jack Campbell in full possession of his means, the latter blocking 31 of the 32 pucks aimed at him.
2020-21 – 5-4 overtime loss to the Maple Leafs
Moved to a section bringing together all Canadian teams for the 2020-2021 season, heavily marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Habs found a familiar opponent by facing Maple Leafs to kick off their campaign. Even if they did not fall behind once in this match, even benefiting from a performance of two goals from Josh Anderson and three points from Jonathan Drouin, the CH had to admit defeat 5 to 4 in overtime, under the successful Morgan Rielly.
2019-20 – 4-3 shootout loss to the Hurricanes
For once, the formation of the Belle Province did not start a season against a team from its own section in 2019-2020. A 40-save performance from Carey Price was not enough, with CH ultimately losing 4-3 in the penalty shootout. Defender Dougie Hamilton, who had two points in regulation 60 minutes, was the only one to hit the target in the session after overtime.
2018-19 – Maple Leafs 3-2 overtime loss
Once again, in 2018-19, the Habs started their season against the Maple Leafs by giving them a hard time, but not being able to win. The eternal rivals of the Quebec formation had the last word – with a score of 3 to 2 in overtime – through a certain Auston Matthews, who shook the ropes a second time in this game.