How to watch Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens first round NHL playoff series

The NHL playoffs get underway on Saturday, May 15, but the North Division will have to wait until the following week. COVID-19 delays have the Canadian teams getting their playoff series underway on May 19th and 20th. The No. 1 Toronto Maple Leafs will host the No. 4 Montreal Canadiens, with the puck dropping on Thursday the 20th at 7:30 p.m. on NHL Network.

The time is now for the Maple Leafs. The Leafs and their fans have been perpetually tortured for years in the playoffs. Toronto dominated the North Division behind Rocket Richard winner Auston Matthews, who scored 8 more goals than Connor McDavid in second place. The Leafs issues are on special teams, ranking low in both PP and PK percentage. That could be what costs Toronto a chance at the Cup.

The Habs haven’t made it past the first round of the playoffs since 2015. Montreal is also limping into the postseason on a five-game losing streak. The forward group is young and unproven, so it’ll be tough to envision the Canadiens hanging with the Leafs. Oh wait, we forgot it’s the Stanley Cup Playoffs and anything is possible.

Below is a full rundown of the Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens series and how to watch it. The NBC games are all available at NBCSports.com/live and on the NBC Sports app.

All times are ET. *=if necessary

No. 4 Montreal Canadiens win series 4-3 over No. 1 Toronto Maple Leafs

Game 1: Canadiens 2, Maple Leafs 1
Game 2: Maple Leafs 5, Canadiens 1
Game 3: Maple Leafs 2, Canadiens 1
Game 4: Maple Leafs 4, Canadiens 0
Game 5: Canadiens 4, Maple Leafs 3 (OT)
Game 6: Canadiens 3, Maple Leafs 2 (OT)
Game 7: Canadiens 3, Maple Leafs 1