NHL Predictions: December 6th Toronto Maple Leafs at Montreal Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their road trip in Montreal at Le Centre Bell. The Maple Leafs will wrap up what has been a successful road trip. The Montreal Canadiens are holding onto the last divisional playoff spot with a win over the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday night. Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions with Last Word On Hockey, with an all-Canadian, all-time rivalry.

Leafs vs Canadiens: A Rivalry That Always Delivers

Regardless of where either team sits in the standings, Toronto–Montreal matchups carry their own intensity. This game is no different. With Montreal fighting to keep its playoff spot and Toronto attempting to build momentum heading into the middle stretch of the season, both teams enter tonight with something meaningful at stake.

For the Leafs, this game marks the final test on a road trip that has shown improved structure, better goaltending, and more consistency from their depth players. Craig Berube’s squad has tightened up defensively, and key pieces such as Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, and William Nylander have been producing at the elite level Toronto expects.

Montreal’s Push for Playoff Security

The Canadiens are coming off a critical win that allowed them to stay above the cutline in the Atlantic Division. Their young core, led by Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, continues to grow more dangerous as the season progresses. The addition of veteran stability on the blueline has helped Montreal handle high-pressure moments, something they struggled with earlier in the campaign.

To maintain their playoff spot, Montreal knows these divisional battles are worth more than the usual two points they’re momentum shifters.

Toronto’s Keys to Victory

For the Maple Leafs, the formula starts with pace and puck possession. Toronto has found success on this road trip when controlling neutral-zone play and forcing opponents to defend extended cycles. The return of a healthier blueline, along with improved play from newly added defensemen, has allowed Toronto to activate more confidently from the back end.

Special teams will also play a pivotal role. Toronto’s power play has regained its lethal form after a mid-season lull, while Montreal’s penalty kill has been inconsistent. Winning this battle could tilt the ice early.

In net, all signs point to a start for Dennis Hildeby, who has been steady in Toronto’s crease. If he provides the same calm presence he has shown lately, the Leafs should feel comfortable. Joseph Woll left Thursday night’s game with an undisclosed lower-body injury. The severity of the injury has not been shared by Craig Berube.

Montreal’s Formula: Pressure and Counterattack

The Canadiens will look to push Toronto into mistakes by pressuring the Leafs’ defence on retrievals. Montreal’s forecheck is at its best when it forces turnovers and generates quick-strike offence. Suzuki’s line, in particular, has become one of the more intelligent and opportunistic groups in the Eastern Conference.

Physicality will also be a factor. Montreal tends to elevate its physical game against Toronto, and if the Leafs want to avoid getting trapped in their own zone, they’ll need to respond with discipline and composure.

Prediction & Key Bets

Final Score Prediction: 4-2 Canadiens

For Montreal, a win keeps them firmly in the playoff picture and strengthens their grip on the third seed in the Atlantic. With rivalry energy, playoff implications, and two teams trending upward, tonight’s matchup at Le Centre Bell promises emotion, urgency, and the kind of atmosphere only Leafs-Habs can deliver.

Best Betting Angles:

Moneyline: Canadiens win.

Total Goals: Over 6.0 goals, both teams have high skill, and they can both produce a lot of goals.

Player Prop: Auston Matthews anytime goal.

Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

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