For the first time in 42 years, it will be Toronto vs. Montreal in the #StanleyCup Playoffs. #NHLStats 2021 First Round: @MapleLeafs vs. @CanadiensMTL
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It’s official: the Leafs will face the Canadiens in the first round

Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2021, 23:00 EDTUpdated: May 11, 2021, 22:55 EDT
And after 42 years, the playoff matchup many hockey fans have been longing for is once again making a return!
With the Jets defeating the Canucks 5-0 on Tuesday night, it secured their position for third place in the North Division. Meaning the Canadiens can not place any higher than fourth and will be the Leafs’ opponent in the first round of the 2021 postseason.
The last time these two teams met was in 1979 where Montreal swept Toronto in four games on route to capturing their 22nd Stanley Cup in franchise history. The all-time record in the postseason between the historic rivals is 8-7 with the Canadiens holding the advantage up to this point.
In the 10 game season series, the Leafs won with a 7-2-1 record over the Habs, with their most recent matchup securing Toronto’s first division title in 21 years.
We will have a larger breakdown of the Leafs’ opponent in the coming days, but there are two more games to be played before it is time to cross that bridge.
Until then, get hyped up for the “Battle of the Juggernauts!”
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