The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens are locking horns in the postseason for the first time since 1979. While they haven’t had much recent history beyond the regular season, the two Original Six teams debatably have the most history of any two NHL franchises.
One of the more interesting chapters may be a little-known, underground story. In fact, it is literally an underground story.
Anyone that’s taken the Yellow subway line in Toronto has likely seen the hockey-themed murals that line each side of the College Station platform.
The station is located directly under Yonge and College intersection, just a city block away from the old Maple Leaf Gardens, and it’s actually the source of some controversy in the past. It features the Toronto Maple Leafs, AND the Montreal Canadiens.
So it’s you’ve ever wondered why the Leafs logo looks a little incomplete, it’s because Harold Ballard simply could not stand the idea of being featured alongside the Habs. While you may see Ballard as a stubborn old man for the stance, it just goes to show how deep the rivalry really goes.
The murals are still up in College Station to this day, despite the Leafs moving out of Maple Leaf Gardens. If you ever find yourself in Toronto and you haven’t seen them before, hit up a ride on the TTC and get off at College to see!
