Maple Leafs-Canadiens: Biggest Game of the Year Tonight Between Rivals

The Toronto Maple Leafs may in fact be playing their biggest game of the year tonight.

The Buds have the chance to eliminate their storied rival, the Montreal Canadiens, from playoff contention. If it happens, it could be almost as good as winning a Stanley Cup!

Tonight's game is the sixth and final game between these two teams this season. So far, the Habs lead three games to two.

It has taken extra time in all three games for the Canadiens to beat the Leafs. The Leafs have the only regulation win in the season series with a 3-0 shootout win on Dec. 1.

The Leafs have the edge in goals, outscoring the Canadiens 15 to 14. All three Montreal wins happened pre-trade deadline.

We all remember the earth-shattering deal early in the year that signaled once and for all that the Maple Leafs were entering a new era.

Leaf fans are excited about this young team's future.

What better way could there possibly be to end a non-playoff year than to eliminate Montreal in your last game?

J.S. Giguere will get the final start of the season in front of his home crowd in Montreal. Look for Giggy to get his third shutout of the year in a Leafs jersey, and for the Leafs to come out absolutely flying in this one!

Prospect Tim Brent will also be in the lineup tonight for the first time.