Three things to watch in Toronto FC-Impact MLS Cup playoffs matchup

After eight seasons on the outside, what a way for Toronto FC to make its MLS Cup playoff debut. The Reds travel to Montreal on Thursday to face the Impact in a match where winner moves onto the semifinals.

Here are three things to watch as the 401 derby plays out in the playoffs for the first time.

1. Stars on display

Sebastian Giovinco has been sensational during his first season in MLS with Toronto FC. The same can be said of Didier Drogba since he joined the Impact in August. Giovinco, tied for the the league lead in goals (22) and the outright leader in assists (16) in 33 games, is the favourite to take home MVP honours. Drogba scored 11 goals in 11 games, including two in the span of 30 seconds against TFC in a 2-1 win last Sunday. Even with all eyes on them, don't be surprised if one of these two mega-talents is responsible for powering his respective team to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

2. The Reds' road woes

A win in Montreal last Sunday would have given Toronto FC home-field advantage for their first round playoff game. Instead they must return to Stade Saputo, and it's fair to say they're facing an uphill battle. TFC won just four games out of 17 away from home in MLS play this season and haven't won on the road since June 6. To make matters worse for the Reds, the Impact are a perfect 5-0-0 at home since Mauro Biello took over from Frank Klopas as head coach. With the Stade Saputo crowd sure to be rocking as well, Giovinco, Michael Bradley, and Co., are going to have to bring it to come out with win.

3. Evan Bush steps up

While Drogba is deservedly getting the lion's share of the credit for Montreal's fabulous form, the Impact goalkeeper has been a equally important to the team's run of success. Bush started 10 games during Montreal's 7-2-2 streak to close out the season and kept a clean sheet in five of them. His blistering confidence was evident in the Impact's recent win over TFC, as he made a couple key saves in critical situations.

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Israel Fehr is a writer for Yahoo Canada Sports. Email him at israelfehr@yahoo.ca or follow him on Twitter. Follow @israelfehr