The NHL and NBA teams adjusted the start times for several games in the coming days to avoid going head-to-head with the Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Leafs†home game on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres will start at 5 p.m. ET (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+) instead of 7 p.m., the NHL club announced Wednesday.
Also, the Leafs†game on Tuesday against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Arena will start at 6:15 p.m. ET instead of 6 p.m.
The Leafs†game in Buffalo on Friday will move up a half hour to 7 p.m. ET from 7:30 p.m. (Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet+).
Meanwhile, the Raptors†home opener on Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks will start at 6:30 p.m. ET instead of 7:30 p.m. The same game-time switch is happening for next Wednesdayâ€s home game against the Houston Rockets.
The Blue Jays host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Games 1 and 2 of the World Series just down the street at Rogers Centre on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. Games 3-5 of the World Series are in Los Angeles next Monday to Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET. All World Series games are on Sportsnet.
The Leafs and Raptors say they will show the Blue Jays games on the Scotiabank Arena videoboard following their home games.
“Toronto sports fans are undeniably some of the most passionate fans in the world, and we are proud to have the cityâ€s teams come together and give these fans an opportunity to experience a significant moment in our cityâ€s and nationâ€s history,†MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley said in a statement.
“Each of these game time changes are quite complicated and represent the cooperation of many stakeholders, including the respective leagues, coaches and players of the Leafs, Raptors and opposing teams and broadcasters. We are grateful to them all for their assistance as we work to make this a very special moment for Toronto fans as we come together to support the Blue Jays.â€
Previously, the Leafs moved a home game up two hours to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving (Oct. 13) to avoid a conflict with Game 2 of the ALCS at Rogers Centre.
The Leafs†home opener on Oct. 8 took place during the Blue Jays†ALDS-clinching win over the Yankees in New York. Toronto fans let out huge cheers several times during the Leafs game when good things were happening for the Jays.
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