It's an Original Six rivalry that headlines Wednesday night's NHL slate.
The seven Canadian teams all kick off their seasons tonight, and it's two foes that face off against one another with the Maple Leafs hosting the Canadiens.
Last season, Toronto finally broke through in the postseason, as the Maple Leafs won their first playoff series since 2004, defeating the Lightning in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. However, that was all that Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and Co. could manage, as the Panthers eliminated the Leafs in the second round.
This year, the expectations in the Six are high once again. The Leafs have been one of the most dominant teams in the regular season over the last few seasons, but the club has struggled mightily to translate that success into the playoffs. Toronto went out and added some sandpaper to its forward group, signing Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi this offseason.
For the Canadiens, it was another lowly year in the rebuild. Montreal finished dead last in the Atlantic Division for the second consecutive season, but missed out on the Connor Bedard sweepstakes at the draft.
Montreal is projected to finish towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference yet again. Kent Hughes is building a promising roster full of young talent like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky.
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Here is how fans can watch the Leafs and Canadiens on Wednesday night:
What channel is Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens on today?
- TV Channel (U.S): N/A
- TV Channel (Canada): Sportsnet, TVA Sports
- Live stream (U.S.): ESPN+
- Live stream (Canada): Sportsnet+
Fans in the United States will not be able to watch the Maple Leafs and Canadiens on cable, as the two are both located in Canada.
However, viewers can still catch the Toronto-Montreal rivalry through ESPN+, which will stream the game on its platform
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In Canada, Sportsnet will be bringing the action to TVs. TVA Sports also will have the game for the French-speaking audience.
Cord cutters can catch the action through Sportsnet+.
Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens start time
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 11
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
The Maple Leafs and Canadiens are set for puck drop at 7 p.m. ET.
The game is being played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ont.
NHL schedule today
The Canadiens and Maple Leafs are just two of 12 teams in action tonight, with six games on the NHL slate.
Wednesday, Oct. 11
| Matchup | Time (ET) |
|---|---|
| Canadiens at Maple Leafs | 7 p.m. |
| Senators at Hurricanes | 7 p.m. |
| Blackhawks at Bruins | 7:30 p.m. |
| Jets at Flames | 10 p.m. |
| Oilers at Canucks | 10 p.m. |
| Avalanche at Kings | 10 p.m. |
