Prime Minister Justin Trudeau throws jabs at Maple Leafs fans

Justin Trudeau is an unabashed supporter of the Montreal Canadiens, and like many Canadians this week, the Prime Minister offered his take on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Auston Matthews is going to walk away with the Rocket Richard Trophy, Mitch Marner ranks fourth in NHL scoring, but the PM believes it's the same story, different year, for this year's version of the Maple Leafs.

"I'm just amazed at how hope continues to spring eternal in Leafs fans. As a Habs fan, I'm kind of in admiration of Toronto fans who continue to cling to hopes every year — year in and year out. It's impressive to see," Trudeau snarked to TSN.

"If the unthinkable does happen, and we're all wonderfully surprised to see the Leafs in the Stanley Cup Final, I know there will be ways to make sure everyone gets to watch."

Trudeau may not be aware of the revised playoff format, which pits divisional opponents against each other for the first two rounds. Toronto emerged as arguably the biggest beneficiary from this year's amendment and this is confidently its best entry of the Matthews-Marner era.

It feels almost like a contractual obligation to mention that the Maple Leafs and Canadiens will square off against each other in the playoffs for the first time since 1979, when Trudeau's Canadiens swept the Maple Leafs en route to their fourth consecutive Stanley Cup victory. It's a historically great rivalry, but the days of Guy Lafleur, Larry Robinson and Ken Dryden rampaging over the league are long over.

Toronto hasn't made it out of the first round during the past four seasons, with last year's qualifying-round exit against the Columbus Blue Jackets serving a low point for the group. Throughout the offseason and leading up to the deadline, the Maple Leafs improved their defense, goaltending and depth forwards. If the Maple Leafs can't beat the Canadiens, or perhaps looking too far ahead, can't punch their ticket to the third round, it will be another embarrassment. No pressure or anything.

As for the PM, well, get your jokes off while you can! If the Canadiens upset the Maple Leafs, you know Trudeau will be laughing straight to the bank.

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