Season Opening Rivalry

Branden Liezert

HABS VS LEAFS

The NHL regular season started October 8th, 2014. To Humber students and Torontonians alike, the biggest game on the night was the hometown Maple Leafs vs. The Montreal Canadiens. I went from room-to-room, floor-to-floor and building-to-building to capture fan-reaction on the game. The two teams share a heated rivalry and the fans of each team share a similar rivalry, although the latter is much more friendly. While there may not be crushing body-checks thrown by fans cheering for the losing team, nor any trips to the box for fighting, there will certainly be bragging rights for fans of the winning team until the two meet again, ironically, February 14th, 2015 - Valentines Day.

On October 8th, 2014 the NHL regular season kicked off and HumberCollege’s north campus prepared students for the game. ResidenceAssistant’s we’re told to tell occupants of their floors to have a great time,but to be respectful of each other and to keep the fun of the night appropriate.(Photo by Branden Liezert)

The game everyone was watching was The Toronto Maple Leafs vs. TheMontreal Canadiens. The game took place at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. The heated rivalry got off to a quick start with a goal by MaxPacioretty of the Canadiens opening up the scoring to make it 1-0.(Photo by Branden Liezert)

Almost before Leaf fans could sit back down in their seats, Nazem Kadrideflected a puck behind Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price totie things up at one goal each. (Photo by Branden Liezert)

Towards the end of the first period the physical play really picked up.A big hit by Dion Phaneuf got Maple Leaf fans excited and upset Habsfans in S building on the 3rd floor lounge.(Photo by Branden Liezert)

A interference penalty on Alexei Emelin of the Canadiens led to a goalby Leaf Tyler Bozak on the powerplay. As time trickled to an end for the1st period the score read 2-1 for the Maple Leafs.(Photo by Branden Liezert)

The second period kicked off and to the delight of Habs fans TomasPlekanec equaled the score less than five minutes into the 2nd period.Leaf fans were in disbelief at the lack of hustle in their team at the startof the period.(Photo by Branden Liezert)

The second period ended with many Leaf fans on the edge of their seats.Canadiens defenceman Tom Gilbert took a double-minor penalty for high-sticking and despite many good chances, Toronto was unable to capitalizeon the opportunities and pull ahead going into the third.(Photo by Branden Liezert)

Just like at the Air Canada Center, the third intermission was the most popular and seized-upon opportunity by hockey fans to refuel their bodies.These fans took break in play to go down to the residence cafeteria and grab snacks to tide them over to the end of the game.(Photo by Branden Liezert)

After Montreal killed off the rest of their penalty to start the 3rd periodThe Leafs found themselves defending in their own end for the first halfof the period. Just over eight minutes into the frame, the enigmatic P.K.Subban ripped an open shot past Leaf goalie Jonathan Bernier.(Photo by Branden Liezert)

While Leaf hopefuls watched their beloved time come with scoring chanceafter scoring chance and nothing to show the momentum was clearly inToronto’s favour. With just over two minutes left Morgan Reilly finally tiedthe game up at 3-3. However, it’s just not in the Leafs DNA to comeback latein a game.(Photo by Branden Liezert)

With less than a minute left to play Plekanec came up big again for theCanadiens. He made a pass to the front of the net to a streaking AlexGalchenyuk, but the pass deflected off Maple Leaf defenceman StuartPercy and found a home in the back of the Toronto net. The entireresidence boomed with ouu’s, ahh’s and YESSS’s. (Photo by Branden Liezert)

Sorry Leaf fans! Montreal would close this one out. Although a latechance from Phil “The Thrill” Kessel would give Hab fans a scare,Montreal goalie Carey Price would keep the remaining pucks outof the net and Montreal held on to the win 4-3.(Photo by Branden Liezert)