Longest serving player on Toronto roster made difference in 5-2 victory over visiting Canadiens

Our roots run deep. Article content

It’s the slogan that was emblazoned on towels placed on each seat at Scotiabank Arena as fans arrived for the Maple Leafs’ regular-season opener on Wednesday night. Article content Article content

Fitting, then, that the longest-serving Leafs player made the difference against the Montreal Canadiens in a 5-2 Toronto victory.

Defenceman Morgan Rielly, looking to rebound after a tough 2024-25, scored the winning goal at 9:02 of the third when he fired a pass from Matthew Knies over the left shoulder of Montreal goalie Samuel Montembeault. Auston Matthews and William Nylander both scored empty-net goals.

The Leafs have won 10 home openers in a row.

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