Toronto vs Montreal Prediction 7 December 2025
📣 Saturday night brings another thrilling NHL Canadian derby. Both teams are eager to make up for lost ground and break into the top eight in the East. How will ongoing injuries to key offensive and defensive players impact Montreal and Toronto? We'll aim to answer all these questions in our prediction.
Head-to-Head
This season, the teams have faced off twice, each game ending with the same 5-2 scoreline, trading home victories. At the start of the season at Scotiabank Arena, Toronto came out on top. They scored in every period and effectively shut down young star Ivan Demidov. In November, Montreal got their revenge, also netting a goal in each period. This time, Demidov tallied two points, while the unexpected hero of the match was 31-year-old Josh Anderson, who recorded two goals. It's also worth noting that during the preseason, the Canadian teams played two exhibition games, exchanging road victories.
Head-to-head statistics Toronto - Montreal
Toronto Maple Leafs Team Overview
After a three-game road trip, Craig Berube's team returns home. The Maple Leafs shined away from home, defeating Pittsburgh, Florida, and Carolina with a combined score of 16-4. Auston Matthews has been capitalizing on his chances brilliantly, even without much contribution from Tavares and Nylander, who each recorded just one point over the last three games. However, Toronto's goals-against average remains high, allowing opponents to score an average of 3.37 goals per game. The situation is further complicated by the absence of their first and second goaltenders: Anthony Stolarz and Joe Woll are both confirmed out for the upcoming clash with Montreal. Additionally, key defenseman Chris Tanev and his colleague Carlo remain on the injured list.
Match Results: Toronto Maple Leafs
Montreal Canadiens Team Overview
Montreal continue to struggle defensively, relying heavily on the offensive prowess of young Demidov and his agile teammates. The Canadiens concede an average of 3.54 goals per game, ranking them 31st in the league. They kicked off December with a heavy defeat to Ottawa (2-5). The young Canadian squad crumbled under pressure early, allowing the capital team to net four goals by the 27th minute. In their second consecutive home game, the Quebec side regrouped and edged out Winnipeg in a shootout (3-2). The home-ice advantage played its part, especially as the Manitoba team was wrapping up a lengthy road trip. Despite the absence of Patrik Laine and Alex Newhook, Montreal face few issues offensively; however, Caufield and Demidov are in no rush to contribute defensively.
Match Results: Montreal Canadiens
🏒 Projected Lineups
Montreal: Dobes - Matheson, Dobson - Caufield, Suzuki, Slafkovsky
Toronto: Hildeby - Rielly, Ekman-Larsson - Knies, Matthews, Domi
🥅 Goalkeepers
For the Canadiens, Jakub Dobes is expected to start in goal. Despite not outperforming Montembeault, the Czech goalie recorded an impressive goals-against average of 1.97 over six games in October. However, in seven November appearances, his average ballooned to a disappointing 4.42.
The Maple Leafs' primary netminder this season has been 31-year-old Anthony Stolarz. Unfortunately, an injury sidelined him, paving the way for Joseph Woll to step in. Woll also suffered an injury, handing the reins to Dennis Hildeby. The Swedish goaltender holds a goals-against average of 2.86 over seven games. In the 2024/2025 season, Hildeby allowed an average of 3.16 goals per game.
Editor's Prediction
In the clash between Canadian teams, consider betting on the total over 5.5 goals. Canadian derbies are often high-scoring affairs, and both teams have surpassed this total in their previous two meetings this season. Given Dobes' inconsistent performance in goal and Suzuki and his squad's eagerness to bounce back after their early-season debacle in Toronto, this wager seems well-founded. It's worth noting that Swedish player Dennis Hildeby has only played 13 NHL games, and his lack of experience could be a factor, especially in a match of this magnitude.No comments
Betting Tips: Toronto Maple Leafs - Montreal Canadiens
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