Well hockey returns to my household this Wednesday night as the Maple Leafs take on the blue, blanc et rouge. Meaning their arch rivals , the Montreal Canadiens. My friend JF , who lives in Montreal has always appreciated the romance that this match up brings. He longs for the days when Lafleur would skate wildly down the wing and wind up and send a booming slapshot towards the net, hoping for a goal.

Me, I want to see Davey Keon stick handle and dipsy doodle around a defenceman ( doesn't matter what team ) and deke out the goalie.

Some wish to see John Ferguson duke it out with Eddie Shack, fisticuffs at centre ice. I wouldn't mind to see that brawl either, but the key is Montreal vs Toronto for ice supremacy. 

I have had the unique honour of being in both Montreal Forums, Maple Leaf Gardens, and the Air Canada Centre ( now named the Scotia Bank Arena ), and let me tell you, it is electric when these two teams play one another. Hair stands up on end, fingers tingle, fans try to stay in their seats, straining to see a glimpse of their heroes skate up and down the ice in the name of the best game ever invented.

So, it is my honour to name the All Time Leaf team and the All Time Habs team, my preferences, my favourites.

Montreal will be coached by Toe Blake, assisted by Scotty Bowman, how's that for hall of Fame coaching.

1st Line, at centre Le Gros Bill, Jean Beliveau, at right wing Yvan Cournoyer, and on left wing Guy LaFleur.

The second line will be manned by The pocket rocket , Henri Richard, Bob Gainey and Dick Duff.

The 3rd line will be centered by Elmer Lach, wings are Rocket Richard and Bernie Geoffrion.

On defence, only 6 are on my list, Serge Savard, Doug Harvey, Tom Johnston, J.C. Trembley, Guy Lapointe and Big Larry Robinson.

Tending the twine tent, Ken Dryden, backed up by Patrick Roy.

For the Maple Leafs, their first line will be Dave Keon, Frank Mahovlich and Wendel Clark.

Their second line will be Auston Matthews, Lanny MacDonald and Rick Vaive.

Their 3rd line will be Doug Gilmour, Paul Henderson and George Armstrong

On defence, old Coffee Baron himself Tim Horton, Borje Salming, Allan Stanley, Red Kelly ( I had to to find a spot for the old Redhead) Bobby Baun and Ian Turnbull.

Manning the cord cottage, Johnny Bower and Curtis Joseph.

Oh and the coach will be Ted Kennedy. The ol' Teeder.

Signing the national anthem will be Roger Doucet, and calling the game will be Foster Hewitt and Danny Gallivan.

Enjoy the game JF, as will I.