3 Things to Watch as the Maple Leafs Face the Canadiens

Something interesting about tonight’s game against Montreal goes beyond the usual rivalry stuff. John Tavares is back, Jack Roslovic is ready to go, and Sergei Bobrovsky gets another start in goal. That's three developments worth watching, but I'm particularly interested in what they might tell us about where this Maple Leafs team is heading.

The Maple Leafs have had to juggle their lineup because of injuries, and getting an experienced forward like Tavares back is welcome news. But returning players don't automatically make everything better. Sometimes it takes a little while for the pieces to find their places again.

Here are three things I'll be watching tonight.

First, Where Does Tavares Fit, and What Changes Around Him?

Tavares was off to a terrific start before his injury, collecting seven points in seven games. That's not just another body returning to the lineup. It's an important offensive piece coming back.

I'm curious to see how Hiller uses him. Does he immediately restore Tavares to his familiar responsibilities, or does he experiment a little with the combinations? Just as important, which other players benefit from his return?

Sometimes a returning player's value isn't just what he contributes. It's what his presence allows everyone else to do.

Second, Can Roslovic Keep the Offence Moving?

Roslovic has quietly become one of Toronto's more interesting early-season stories. Eighteen points in 17 games is an impressive start, and his two-goal performance against Utah showed he can create offence.

With Tavares back, Hiller has a chance to give the forward group a different look. I'm interested to see whether Roslovic continues to find the same room to operate and whether the Leafs can get more consistent contributions from their other forwards. The challenge is making the lineup deeper without taking away what has been working.

Third, Can Bobrovsky Give Maple Leafs Fans Another Reason to Believe?

Bobrovsky deserved better than the result against Utah. He stopped 33 of 36 shots in a 3-2 loss, and he gave Toronto every opportunity to stay in the game. Tonight presents a different challenge. Montreal has been one of the better teams in the Atlantic, and Toronto will need its goaltender to make some important saves.

I'd also like to see whether the Maple Leafs can do a better job of limiting the quality of chances rather than relying on their goalie to clean up every mess.

What Might Tonight Tell Us About the Maple Leafs?

I'm not suggesting one game will answer all the questions about this team. It won't. But getting Tavares back gives Hiller another opportunity to see what his lineup can look like when some of the missing pieces return. The Canadiens are a good measuring stick, too. They're playing with confidence, and Toronto will have to earn whatever it gets.

For me, the interesting part isn't simply whether the team wins. It's whether we see more connection among the forwards, better support for Bobrovsky, and some evidence that this group is beginning to settle into Hiller's ideas. That's worth watching.