An excerpt from the TSN game review of the Habs 6-1 trouncing of the Maple Leafs:

Montreal opened its season with a 2-1 shootout loss in Buffalo on Friday but looked much better just 24 hours later.

“We knew that we didn’t play that well last night, it was sloppy and didn’t seem like the focus was there,” said Koivu. “I thought we responded very well.”

The Habs speed and skill was on full display at Air Canada Centre.

Overall, the Habs and Leafs gave performances more in line with pre-season predictions than they did in their respective openers. It’s not a secret that anything short of a Stanley Cup will be a disappointment in Montreal.

“I think the players take that challenge with excitement,” said Koivu. “We’re right in the spotlight. People are expecting us to win and go far in the playoffs. A year ago, everybody was saying that we don’t have a chance.

“As a player – especially when you get older – you’re just looking for a chance to be part of a great team.”

RDS game review: Les pendules à l’heure