Tonight, the Leafs will take on the Montréal Canadiens tonight in Montréal for their 5th of 8 preseason games.

After a disappointing effort in Toronto against the Habs, the Leafs will look to rebound in this game. The last contest featured a more AHL-bound roster, so it can be assumed that tonight’s team will look a lot more like what the season opener will be – though not completely, not yet.

There’s no question that tonight’s team will be far stronger than the last one. The Canadians will also have a stronger team, but it’s safe to assume that a top heavy Leafs squad will be, on paper, better than any improved Habs squad.

I’m going to be at this game, actually, so the self-hating part of me is expecting another disappointing loss. However, everything sensible says that the Leafs should dominate this game.

Obviously, last time out was a disappointment. A lot of players on the bubble didn’t perform the way one would expect, given that they’re fighting for a chance at NHL jobs. Tonight’s game will be a much different focus. We’re likely going to see what Babcock expects to roll for the top 9 forward lines and the top 4 defense. The goal will be to work on deployment, tactics, growing some chemistry, and all other kinds of logistics before the regular season starts.

As all of you will, I’m looking forward to seeing this potential steamrolling. And I get to see it in person, in enemy territory! Hopefully you all enjoy the game. Go Leafs Go!