MONTREAL, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Ben Scrivens turned aside 21 shots and Phil Kessel notched two assists for Toronto Saturday, which opened its season with a 2-1 win over Montreal.
Nazem Kadri and Tyler Bozak scored for the Maple Leafs, who are coming off a seventh straight year of missing the playoffs.
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The lengthy period of futility resulted in the firing of General Manager Brian Burke last week. He was replaced with former Vancouver GM Dave Nonis.
Brian Gionta notched the only goal for the Canadiens, who fell in the debut of new Coach Michel Therrien.
He was brought in to take over for interim mentor Randy Cunneyworth after the Habs finished in last place in the Eastern Conference in 2011-12.
Montreal goalie Carey Price made 24 saves.
