You know that both teams are going to be ready to go for this rivalry game as the Original Six rivals have been bitter foes for more than a century. How Toronto responds with Tavares out of the mix right now will be telling as they need the bottom six forwards to pick up some of the offensive slack. Montreal is hot right now but when games like this take place, you can throw all that stuff out the window. The teams split two meetings earlier this season, with Montreal winning 1-0 opening night at home October 9 behind 48 saves by Montembeault before Toronto answered with a 4-1 home win on November 9. Toronto got a shot of energy by rallying to beat New Jersey in overtime after trailing by a goal on three different occasions. The Maple Leafs are still better in both ends even with their missing pieces. Look for Toronto to scratch out a win here.