Peepin' Foes: Toronto Maple Leafs

Where We Are: Throw everything out. New coach, new pressure.

Where They Are: Toronto has earned points in four of their last five games but only beat us. The Leafs also just held an awesome outdoor practice for their fans, something that the Rangers (and every NHL team) would be wise to do. Instead the Rangers practice in seclusion in a quiet yuppy corner of Westchester, nice.

Who To Watch For: I heart Luke Schenn. Lee Stempniak is a true offensive talent and a helluva steal from St. Louis. Dominic Moore was almost nonexistent in New York but you can't count him out and Borat Antropov has been raising his trade value of late so he may just show up for this one.

What To Watch For: Toronto is coming off of two emotional games - the return of Sundin and the overtime win over us - so if the Rangers play with the spark that should come from the new coach, the Blueshirts should be able jump all over the Leafs. They will just have to maintain the intensity all game - not like in Hockey Night In Hell.

What We'll (Hopefully) See: A Ranger team that plays like they care. Jason Blake getting smacked around like a rented mule; I always hated that guy on the Islanders. Colton Orr playing more than 3:42. Petr Prucha playing, period.

Also Check Out: Down Goes Brown, Toronto Mike, the Bitter Leaf Fan (aren't they all?) and personal fav Pension Plan Puppets. PPP is probably one of the top-five best team-specific blogs out there covering our fair sport so definitely check out their corner of SB Nation.

 Peepin' Foes: Toronto Maple Leafs - A Rivalry Renewed

In the world of hockey, few rivalries are as storied and passionate as the one between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs. These Original Six teams have a history that dates back to the early days of the NHL, and their matchups have been a source of excitement and tension for generations of fans. In this article, we'll delve into the rich history of this rivalry, explore the key moments and players that have defined it, and take a look at the current state of affairs between these two iconic franchises.

The Origins of a Rivalry

1. The Birth of the NHL:

The rivalry between the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs began when the NHL was founded in 1917. Both teams were part of the Original Six, which also included the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers.

2. Early Battles:

In the early years, the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs faced off in intense battles, with legendary players like Howie Morenz (Montreal) and Charlie Conacher (Toronto) leading their respective teams.

Iconic Moments and Players

1. 1967: The Last Cup:

One of the most significant moments in the rivalry's history was the Maple Leafs' last Stanley Cup win in 1967. This championship win over the Canadiens is still celebrated by Leafs fans today.

2. Legends of the Game:

The rivalry has seen some of the greatest players in hockey history, including Maurice Richard, Jean Béliveau, George Armstrong, and Darryl Sittler, don the jerseys of these two teams.

The Modern Era of the Rivalry

1. Playoff Showdowns:

In recent years, the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs have met in the playoffs, reigniting the rivalry for a new generation of fans. These matchups have been highly anticipated and closely watched.

2. Fan Passion:

The rivalry is fueled by the passion of the fans. Canadiens supporters often refer to the Maple Leafs as the "Maple Laughs," while Leafs fans have their own nicknames for the Canadiens. The banter and rivalry extend off the ice and into the stands.

FAQs About the Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs Rivalry

1. Why is the rivalry between the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs so intense?

The intensity of the rivalry is rooted in the history of both franchises, their successes, and the passionate fan bases. It's a clash between two iconic teams with rich traditions.

2. How do players prepare for games against their arch-rivals?

Players are well aware of the rivalry's significance and the expectations of fans. They prepare mentally and physically, knowing that these games carry extra weight and intensity.

3. What can we expect from future Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs matchups?

As long as both teams continue to compete in the NHL, their matchups will be eagerly anticipated. With both franchises on the rise, we can expect more thrilling battles in the years to come.

The rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs is a cornerstone of NHL history. It's a rivalry that has transcended generations, with each era adding its own chapter to the story. While the game of hockey has evolved over the years, the passion, intensity, and excitement that surround these matchups remain as strong as ever. Whether you're a die-hard Canadiens or Maple Leafs fan, or simply a hockey enthusiast, you can't help but be captivated by the magic of this storied rivalry. As long as pucks are dropped and goals are scored, the Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs rivalry will continue to be one of the most cherished traditions in the world of sports.