Toronto’s passion for hockey was on full display on October 8, 2025 as the Maple Leafs opened their 2025‑26 NHL season with a decisive 5‑2 win over the rival Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena
The game was tight through two periods before veteran defenseman Morgan Rielly broke a 2-2 deadlock at 9:02 of the third period. Rielly finished a slick feed from Mitch Marner to send the sold-out crowd into a frenzy. Toronto pulled away late thanks to William Nylander, who recorded a goal and two assists, and an empty-net tally from Auston Matthews. Rookie forward Matthew Knies also scored in his NHL debut, tipping in a point shot from Timothy Liljegren early in the game.
Between the pipes, free‑agent acquisition Anthony Stolarz made 29 saves to earn his first win in a Maple Leafs sweater and drew praise from head coach Craig Berube for keeping the team calm while they found their legs. Berube, coaching his first regular-season game in Toronto, commended his club for dictating the third period and for their balanced scoring attack.
Montreal put up a fight behind goals from Oliver Kapanen and Zack Bolduc, but the Canadiens could not slow down Toronto’s top line. Kapanen tied the game at 1‑1 midway through the second period and Bolduc buried a rebound to level the score again early in the third, but Rielly’s goal swung momentum back to the Leafs. Former Maple Leaf Jake Allen stopped 31 shots for Montreal in the loss.
The victory was an encouraging start for a Maple Leafs squad looking to take the next step after last season’s playoff disappointment. With a potent core of Matthews, Marner and Nylander supported by emerging young players like Knies and a retooled defence, expectations are high in Toronto. If opening night is any indication, the Leafs intend to set the pace early and push for the top of the Atlantic Division all season long.
