I suspect the Leafs' fan were more than entertained.
Reality is a bitch and what that game showed was that while Hughes is growing excellent organizational depth, most of that depth is still not NHL ready.
Here are my observations of what was largely an uncomfortable night for Montreal fans.
On Defence
Of the three 'veteran' defencemen who were in the line-up ( Barron, Xhekaj and Struble) only Struble played passably. With the roster that the Canadiens fielded last night it was only predictable that the Leafs would use a heavy forecheck to challenge, pressure and intimidate the Canadiens' defence. While both Barron and Xhekaj had their good minutes during this game, they both had a lot more poor minutes and had difficulty coping with the speed and the hard forecheck of the Leafs' forwards. I thought Struble played a strong/consistent game under the circumstances, showing poise under pressure, moving the puck effectively and physically engaging and standing up when needed. I can't see Struble not making the team out of the preseason.
As for the three rookie defencemen (Hutson, Reinbacher and Engstrom), it was clear, at least to this writer, that both Reinbacher and Engstrom need more time in Laval to better acclimate themselves to the NHL game which is played on a smaller playing surface, where decisions have to be made quicker. As the poster above said, last night was the 'Most boring game to watch'. He's correct, except when Hutson's was on the ice. Hutson continues to be a revelation. He's probably the most exciting and potentially impactful rookie we have seen in decades. His vision and puck skills are amazing and when he gets a bit stronger and is surrounded by more NHL quality players who can take advantage of Hutson's puck wizardry he will be a major star in the NHL. Yes he's small and lacks elite straight forward speed. But as Hutson has shown in his two exhibition games played (including last night against a strong, all most full Leafs' roster) he's a special player who can already play at a high level in the NHL. There is no way that this kid is not on the roster opening night. No way in hell.
What the game last night should have provided viewers was how important those missing veteran defencemen ( Matheson, Savard and Guhle) are to the team's fortunes. Last year Montreal was competitive in most games because of the overall mobility of their defence. The team last night was not competitive as the score did not reflect the flow of the game. Take away, Matheson and his 26 minutes, Guhle, who is still recovering from surgery and Harris, who was traded and you have what you saw last night: a boring, over matched team. Couple that lack of mobility with the missing element of stability/leadership that Savard provides game in and game out and you have what you saw last night. Yes , the team was missing many of its top forwards, but were our forwards most of last year that much better? Food for thought for those who are so willing, if not anxious, to trade Matheson and Savard. Without those two veteran players and leaders we will once again be a lottery team.
At Forwards
As was obvious to most observers, only a handful of the forwards who played last night will be on the team opening night of the season. Unless a trade is made, the veterans who played last night (Newhook, Armia, Pezzetta and Dvorak) are all, most probably, safe. Of the 'younger/fringe players ( Heineman and Roy ) neither had a strong enough game that would indicate that they are locks to make the team. I saw it as a lost opportunity, when surrounded by an admittedly weaker lineup, they failed to show their value. But there is enough exhibition games left for both to demonstrate that they belong on the team. As for the rookies ( Kapanen, Beck and Tuch) I thought they all played better than some here have written. They were surrounded by largely inferior teammates and didn't have the support from a defensive corps that is now so crucial for a team's offensive success in today's NHL. Each of them continues to show that they have NHL potential. It may be simply a numbers game that prevents any of these fine prospects from being on the opening day roster. A final comment on Kidney, who I think, similarly to the other mentioned rookies, played better than many here are opining. He showed better quickness and strength along the boards than expected. I watched Kidney's development in Laval last year and I think he has more potential than many think. If his progression continues, it would not surprise me if by next training camp, Kidney is able to make a real push to make the team.
Goaltending
Dobes was the best player on the ice for the Canadiens last night. But for his heroics, it would have been an embarrassing result. I have never been a huge fan of Primeau's largely stationary style of goaltending. Somewhat awkward, Dobes challenges shooters and anticipates the play. Last night he did what every good goaltender does: he kept his team in the game and gave them confidence. I could see Dobes moving up in the Canadiens' depth charts and posing a real threat to Primeau. Even if that doesn't happen, Dobes will provide Hughes with another marketable asset. An asset that will probably have to be moved once Fowler arrives.
Just my thoughts.