TOR@MTL: Game recap

MONTREAL - The Canadiens started the season on a high note with a 4-3 victory over archrival Toronto in front of a packed Bell Centre.

The boys were chipper upon arriving to the Bell Centre.

Fans geared up for this classic rivalry matchup.

Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki were also dressed in their gameday 'fits.

While the players were prepping for tonight's tilt...

...fans made sure to show up early for the first game of the season.

Those who were in their seats in time for warmups were treated to solo laps featuring rookies Juraj Slafkovsky, Kaiden Guhle, and Arber Xhekaj, who made their NHL debuts tonight.

Carey Price made a surprise appearance during player presentations.

Captain Suzuki carried the legendary torch to signal the start of a new season.

Once the puck dropped, fans were treated to some exciting, fast-paced hockey.
The Maple Leafs struck first at 11:41 of the opening frame. Michael Bunting scored on one knee from the low slot after receiving a pass from Mitch Marner stationed behind Jake Allen's net.
Toronto was up 1-0 after 20 minutes of play.
Their lead didn't last long in the second period. Coming down the right wing with Nick Suzuki on the opposite side, Caufield ripped one top shelf 33 seconds into the middle stanza. Suzuki and David Savard earned assists on the play.

Denis Malgin gave the Leafs a 2-1 lead near the halway point of the game.
Caufield notched another equalizer to allow the Canadiens to retreat to the locker room tied at two apiece.

In the third period, birthday boy Sean Monahan notched his first of the season with assists from Jordan Harris and Kirby Dach.

The Leafs' William Nylander cut his celebration short, tying it 3-3.
Josh Anderson scored the game-winner with less than 20 seconds to go in the game. Suzuki earned his second helper.

Jake Allen made 29 saves en route to a 4-3 win.