Leafs-Habs: New Faces, Same Hatred

Toronto and Montreal fans don’t always agree with one another.  I know, I know, understatement of the century. I think, though, that Leafs and Habs supporters alike can all agree that there is nothing quite like the rivalry they have with each other. A Leafs Habs rivalry is sure as November snow on Mount Royal.

There is no better way to get things started then by experiencing a Leafs Habs rivalry on opening day.

The lineups may not be full: injuries have been a preseason factor for both teams. Mike Cammalleri‘s lower-body injury may have been downplayed and Alexei Ponikarovsky’s situation is an unfortunate one–though the cut near his eye that he received from a high stick should not hinder his playing time, it may hinder his actual play.

Phil Kessel won’t be showcasing his skills to his brand new fans just yet. We’ll have to wait until November to see what he can do.

Sending down Nazem Kadri may not have been a popular decision, but it was certainly the right one. There is no need to rush a good thing, and this kid is good.

There, in all likelihood, will be no flair with regards to the opening day Leafs.

But there will be big bodies, and one of them will be a standout.

Habs fans will waste no time in slamming an all-star and former fan favourite.

Mike Komisarek, once thought to be the next captain of the Montreal Canadiens, suits up against his old team wearing all too familiar colours.

I know Montreal Canadiens fans very well–so well, in fact, that I even happen to be one. If there is any game that this breed of people would call in sick to work and spend two weeks’ salary to attend, this contest is the one.

If the chance to boo their most hated rival wasn’t enough, booing their new most hated individual most definitely is.

Mike Komisarek has become a terrible person for most Habs fans. Leafs fans could not be happier with the acquisition or the circumstances. Leaving Montreal for much bluer pastures in Toronto should provide Leafs Nation with ammunition for years to come.

Mike Komisarek image courtesy of Wikipedia.org

I suppose this is the Montreal Canadiens’ chance to prove that size doesn’t matter. Their “Little Three” will be facing a much larger, hard-nosed team. It will be Speed and Skill Vs. Grit and Brawn.

A fight for the ages.

Since 1917, the Leafs Habs rivalry has been going strong, one of the most bitter in sports. Facing each other six times per year, there is never any love lost between the two teams or the two fanbases.

There will prove to be even more hate in the corners this year than in years past.

The rivalry continues: Let the battle begin!

Round One is on Thursday.

Posted by Jason Hitelman on Sep 29 2009. Filed under Eastern Conference, Montreal Canadiens, Northeast, Toronto Maple Leafs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.