Montreal vs Toronto Prediction 23 November 2025
📣 A thrilling game day awaits with the Canadian derby on the horizon. Can the Canadiens capitalize on Auston Matthews' absence from the lineup and seek revenge against the Maple Leafs for their early-season defeat? Let's delve into both teams' performances and make a well-founded prediction.
Head-to-Head
In last season's regular matchups, Montreal and Toronto faced off four times, with the blue-and-white squad securing three victories. The Canadiens managed just one win, which came last year when Caufield and company shut out Toronto 1-0. On that occasion, goaltender Sam Montembeault made an incredible 48 saves and was named the first star of the game. This season, the Canadian teams have already clashed on the ice. Craig Berube's side claimed a convincing 5-2 home victory. In the season opener, Montreal fans had high hopes for forward Ivan Demidov, but he fell short of expectations, finishing the game with a minus-1 rating and two penalty minutes.
Head-to-head statistics Montreal - Toronto
Montreal Canadiens Team Overview
Five consecutive losses have dropped Montreal to the lower end of the Eastern Conference standings, but the gap to the coveted top eight isn't insurmountable yet. Suzuki and his team have a prime opportunity to bounce back in front of their fans by defeating a fierce rival in one of the league's oldest derbies. Earlier this week, they traveled to Ohio and fell short against Columbus (3-4 SO). Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson scored a crucial goal late in the third period, but Cole Caufield's lone successful shootout attempt wasn't enough. The Canadiens returned home, only to falter against Washington (4-8). Questions surrounding Montreal's defense have been mounting for weeks. They are conceding an average of 3.60 goals per game, and Montembeault and Dobes have struggled to provide the necessary last line of defense.
Match Results: Montreal Canadiens
Toronto Maple Leafs Team Overview
The Maple Leafs are navigating a mixed season and currently find themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, alongside Montreal. This week, they've managed to secure points in both of their games. With Matthews out, all eyes are on William Nylander, who emerged as the hero in the clash against St. Louis (3-2 OT). However, in the matchup against Columbus, Nylander didn't register any points, despite firing six shots at the Blue Jackets' net. Toronto's defense has been shaky this season, allowing an average of 3.67 goals per game. The situation is further complicated by the absence of key players, including primary goaltender Anthony Stolarz and crucial defensemen Tanev and Carlo. The team's depth issues recently prompted management to claim defenseman Troy Stecher off waivers.
Match Results: Toronto Maple Leafs
🏒 Projected Lineups
Montreal: Dobes - Matheson, Dobson - Caufield, Suzuki, Bolduc
Toronto: Woll - Rielly, Ekman-Larsson - Nylander, Tavares, Jarnkrok
🥅 Goalies
In goal for the Canadiens, we expect Jakub Dobes, who has yet to outperform Montembeault and hasn't managed to maintain a save percentage above 90% in recent games. Dobes started the season strong with six wins, but Montreal's defense has since failed to provide adequate support for the Czech netminder.
The Leafs' primary goaltender this season was 31-year-old Anthony Stolarz, but an injury has sidelined him, paving the way for Joseph Woll to step in. Woll recently joined the team but has already found his form in the AHL and performed well in his two NHL appearances.
Editor's Prediction
In the clash of Canadian teams, consider betting on a total over 5.5 goals. We believe this bet is likely to succeed even without Matthews and Knies in the visitors' lineup. Canadian derbies are often high-scoring affairs, with the teams surpassing this total in four of their last five encounters. Given Dobes' inconsistent performance at the back and Suzuki and his squad's determination to bounce back after their opening season defeat in Toronto, this bet seems well-founded.No comments
Betting Tips: Montreal Canadiens - Toronto Maple Leafs
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