Montreal’s five-on-five play is the reason for Canadiens ML against the Maple Leafs. Through 16 games this season, the Canadiens have outscored opponents 38-28. Toronto has scored 38 and allowed 40 through 17.
The Canadiens also own 52.3% of five-on-five expected goals, compared with Toronto’s 46.3%.
Nick Suzuki is back between Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky in Montreal’s projected top line. He returned Thursday after missing 6 games and had 1 goal and 2 assists against Utah, including the assist on Caufield’s overtime winner.