The Canadian starts his season this evening. And the challenge will be significant. As has become tradition, Martin St-Louis and his men are in for a shock in their opener against the Maple Leafs.

• The game between the Canadiens and Maple Leafs will be broadcast on TVA Sports at 7 p.m.; Don’t miss the audition starting at 6 p.m.

Since we expect the Leafs to make some progress in the playoffs, unlike the Habs who we hope are still “in the mix” at the trade deadline, it’s time to apply what seems to be the team’s internal slogan.

• Also read: The real season finally begins

• Also read: Montembeault is number one… for now

Why not us! Why not us! This is what Stéphane Robidas said to the group of players standing in front of him at the end of the team’s morning training session. A formula that has been somewhat overused over the years, but one that appears to be firmly believed in within the organization’s locker room.

“That’s what we all think,” assured Kaiden Guhle. There are so many people who are already eliminating us and really don’t know what we can achieve.”

“Many people say that we are neglected. But it doesn’t feel like it. We believe in ourselves. We will be ready,” the defender added.

It’s true that we don’t give the Canadian many chances to participate in the playoffs in the entire NHL. Be it the members of the 31 other teams, the media, the fans and to a certain point even the management of the team itself.

In short, why not us? What it boils down to is that the 23 Canadian players are pitted against the rest of humanity.

“It’s always the group against everyone. Any time, argued Martin St-Louis. The opponents, you people (the media), we have to block all this and concentrate on what we are doing.”

A first for Barré Boulet

This visit from the Maple Leafs will be an opportunity for some players to experience their first opening game on the Bettman circuit. This also applies to Alex Barré-Boulet, who, despite spending five years shuttling between the NHL and the American League, never had the privilege of attending the player presentation.

The fact that it is taking place in Montreal will of course have an even more special character.

“I’m thrilled. I’ve often dreamed of this moment. When I was young, I was a big Canadiens fan. Tonight will be very special. My parents will be there with my wife and children,” he said 27 year old striker.

There will therefore be great excitement in the stands.

“My father was very emotional. I think he got more messages than me. He and his friends were also all big supporters of the Canadian.”

Too late for CH

As colleague Marc DeFoy wrote a few days ago, it took the Habs six years to bring back a player they had released in favor of the Lightning.

“When I was a free agent in the juniors, I asked my agent if there was anything going on in Montreal,” Barré-Boulet said. But the Lightning were actually the first team to enter the game. So it was easy for me to say yes straight away.”

Had he been approached by the Canadian? After a long hesitation and an expression on his face that spoke volumes, he replied: “The Canadian was there, but he came later.”

Tonight, around 7 p.m., all of that will be a thing of the past.

Here is the CH lineup for today’s game:

13. Caufield – 14. Suzuki – 20. Slafkovsky
15. Newhook – 77. Roof – 40. Armia
51. Heineman – 71. Evans – 11. Gallagher
27. Barré Boulet – 28. Dvorak – 17. Anderson

8. Matheson – 21. Guhle
48. Hutson – 58. Savard
72. Xhekaj – 52. Barron

35. Montembeault
30. Primeau

Here is the Leafs’ projected lineup:

23. Knies – 34. Matthews – 16. Marner
11. Domi – 91. Tavares – 88. Nylander
67. Pacioretty – 29. Holmberg – 89. Robertson
18. Lorentz – 64. Fight – 75. Reaves

44. Reilly – 8. Tanev
95. Ekman Larsson – 22. McCabe
2. Benoit – 25. Timmins

41. Stolarz
35. Hildeby