Key Takeaways
- Montreal beat Toronto 3–2 at Scotiabank Arena in the first Canadiens–Maple Leafs matchup of the 2026–27 season.
- Josh Anderson recorded a goal and an assist as Montreal responded after William Nylander scored 48 seconds into the game.
- Kirill Marchenko assisted on Toronto’s opening goal after the Maple Leafs confirmed his six-year extension.
A Big Night for Josh Anderson
Anderson was at the centre of Montreal's offence, recording a goal and an assist.
Carrier also finished with a goal and an assist, while Bolduc found the net as Montreal produced exactly enough offence to escape Toronto with two points.
For the Maple Leafs, the loss comes on a night when attention was already unusually high following Toronto's major roster moves. The club confirmed a six-year extension for Marchenko earlier Tuesday after acquiring him from Columbus.
He immediately appeared on the scoresheet with an assist on Toronto's opening goal.
TwikUp Analysis
It's only Game 1 of an 84-game regular season, so one result shouldn't be treated as a verdict on either team.
But Montreal couldn't have picked a better opponent for its first victory.
Canadiens–Maple Leafs remains one of hockey's signature rivalries, and Montreal has now walked into Toronto on opening night and left with the first bragging rights of the 2026–27 season.
Final: Montreal Canadiens 3, Toronto Maple Leafs 2.