The long wait for 'next year' is finally over. The Leafs' 2007-2008 season is finally here and it kicks off with a bang as the bud renew hostilities in the Battle of Ontario.

Over the past two years this rivalry has moved from The Rape and Pillage of Lower Ontario to The Mild Beating of a Lost Puppy. At this rate, the Leafs are in line to take this year's 8 game series.

David Johnson at Hockey Analysis has a look at some of the more interesting stats concerning the two teams.

And the latest in the nascent goaltender controversy is that Raycroft will get a chance to draw first blood.

As always, your thoughts throughout the game are much appreciated in the comments. Each period and overtime/shootout (please no shootout tonight) gets their own section so just reply to the relevant section's main post. You need to set up an account to comment so register and share your thoughts.

Totally biased prediction:
Leafs 5 (Mats 2, Blake, Kilger, Kubina)
senators 2 (Heatley, Alfredsson)

Go Leafs Go!

Where will the Leafs finish in the East this season?

Flying High in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd1
Middle of the Pack in 4th, 5th, or 6th5
Squeezing into the playoffs in 7th or 8th11
Shrinking the gap - 9th on goal differential3
Lost in 10th, 11th, or 12th10
Complete Trainwreck in 13th, 14th, or 15th1