The Maple Leafs kick off their 2022-23 season Wednesday night in Montreal against the Canadiens at Bell Centre. Better yet, the club is getting a key player back from injury earlier than expected.
John Tavares is in the starting lineup. The Leafs captain has been recovering from an oblique strain he suffered in the preseason.
The initial diagnosis at the end of September was that the injury would keep him out three weeks, meaning he would miss the first week of games. He is reportedly ahead of schedule and could play in the opener.
"Feeling good, (Wednesday) looks good," Tavares told the media Tuesday. "So, excited about that . . . excited that I can be there right off the get-go."
The 32-year-old Tavares is in his fifth season with Toronto. He is coming off a 76-point season in 2021-22 (27 goals, 49 assists).
MORE: Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens live score, updates
He is expected to slide into his usual second-line center role. He has been skating with William Nylander and Denis Malgin as his wings.
Is John Tavares playing tonight?
Tavares said Tuesday he is "feeling good" and was a full participant at practice Tuesday, a good sign ahead of the contest in Montreal.
The signs were right, as Tavares is in the lineup for the game against the Habs.
What is John Tavares' injury?
Tavares suffered an oblique strain during the preseason. At the time, he was expected to miss at least three weeks, which would have kept him out of the first week of regular-season games.
"We love and would want John back (as soon as possible), but we’re going to be very mindful of the bigger picture and making sure that it’s not something going to linger with him," Keefe said last week.
Tavares ramped up his skating over the past week and it appears as though he is ahead of schedule.
What time is Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens?
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Bell Centre
The puck drop for Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens game is set for 7 p.m. ET. The game will be played at Bell Centre in Montreal.
What channel is Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens on?
- TV channel: Sportsnet (Canada)
Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens is available to watch live on Sportsnet in Canada.
It will not air on TV for viewers in the United States, but it is available to stream.
How to live stream Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens
- fuboTV (US)
- ESPN+
- ESPN.com/ESPN App
- Sling TV
Fans in the United States can stream Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens on fuboTV, which offers a free trial.
Viewers in Canada can stream the game on SN NOW.
