This is a 10* on TORONTO

There’s still roughly 30 percent of the NHL regular season left to be played, but it’s a fair statement to say we pretty much know who the four playoff teams will be from the all-Canadian North Division. An eight-point gap exists between 4th and 5th place and looking at the goal differentials of the top four vs. the bottom three, that gap is likely to get even wider. Toronto leads the division with 55 points, six more than any other team. Montreal is 4th with 43 points, but they actually have four games in hand compared to the top three teas. The Habs are in Toronto tonight, looking to close the distance, but we don’t see that happening. Brendan Gallagher, one of their top goal scorers is out with a fractured thumb, and also injured is goalie Carey Price. Those are significant absences for a key game such as this. Given Gallagher left in the first period and Price was clearly hobbled, it was somewhat of a miracle that the Candiens were able to rally back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Edmonton in overtime Monday. But they won’t be as lucky here as Toronto is 7-0-1 its last eight games and coming off a 4-0 road trip. The Leafs are 3-1 against Montreal this season. Play on TORONTO

AAA