Canadiens: Bolduc nets winner as Montreal edges Leafs in opener

The Montreal Canadiens started their season on a high note Tuesday night, holding off the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 3-2 victory on the road as the NHL schedule got underway.

Toronto struck almost immediately, with William Nylander opening the scoring in the first minute of the game. Montreal settled down after that early blow, eventually pulling even later in the first period when Josh Anderson tied the contest.

Bolduc delivers winner, Carrier adds insurance

In the second period, Zachary Bolduc broke the deadlock with what stood up as the game-winning goal. His marker gave the Canadiens their first lead of the night and capped a steady pushback after the Leafs’ fast start.

Montreal extended that lead in the third when Alexandre Carrier’s point shot beat Sergei Bobrovsky on the glove side, providing a crucial cushion. That extra goal proved important, as Nylander struck again late in regulation to pull Toronto back within one.

The Leafs pressed in the closing minutes looking for an equalizer, but the Canadiens managed the final stretch effectively and closed out the one-goal win to secure two points on opening night.

Debut night for McKenna, Marchenko and Kreider

The opener also doubled as a debut showcase for several players on both sides. For the Maple Leafs, highly touted Gavin McKenna and off-season addition Kirill Marchenko both played their first games with the club. On the Montreal side, veteran forward Chris Kreider suited up for his first regular-season contest with the Canadiens.

Among that group, Marchenko was the only one to hit the scoresheet, picking up a secondary assist on Nylander’s early goal. McKenna and Kreider were held without points but gained their first regular-season minutes in new surroundings under the spotlight of a high-profile rivalry matchup.

For Montreal, responding to an early deficit, getting goals from Bolduc, Anderson and Carrier, and surviving a two-goal outing from Nylander offers an encouraging start. Toronto, meanwhile, can take positives from Nylander’s production and Marchenko’s immediate contribution as it turns the page quickly to the rest of its schedule.