Anticipation is constructing in downtown Montreal because the Canadiens put together to face the Columbus Blue Jackets of their last dwelling sport of the common season Saturday night time, with followers gathering outdoors the Bell Centre forward of puck drop.
For some, the second carries additional which means.
“I’m tremendous excited. And I’m very nervous on the similar time. It’s my first time in Montreal,” stated one fan who travelled in for the sport. “I really feel like they did a lot. They’re doing unbelievable. They’re so good.”
The matchup marks the final probability for followers to see the crew at dwelling earlier than the Canadiens wrap up the common season Tuesday towards the Philadelphia Flyers.
With a playoff spot already secured, the sport feels extra like a buildup to the postseason than an ending.
Followers embrace playoff momentum
Montreal clinched a spot within the Stanley Cup playoffs for the second straight season on April 5, when the Minnesota Wild defeated the Detroit Purple Wings.
The Canadiens secured their place with six video games remaining on the schedule, following a late-season surge that included an eight-game successful streak.
That momentum is one thing followers can really feel — even for these coming in from outdoors the town.
“I’m feeling fairly good. I feel the Habs ought to get her achieved once more, identical to they did on Thursday night time,” stated one supporter. “They’re an absolute wagon proper now.”
It’s been a powerful 12 months for a younger roster that has continued to develop, giving followers motive for optimism heading into the playoffs.
Captain Nick Suzuki has led the way in which offensively, reaching the 90-point mark, whereas a number of youthful gamers have made key contributions throughout the lineup.
“The blokes have been taking part in actually good, taking part in full three intervals of hockey. At all times nervous going right into a sport, however must be all proper. We received the W. Nothing to fret about,” stated one other fan who made the journey from the Ottawa Valley. “
There’s additionally a rising perception that this group may exceed expectations.
“I feel they’re going to shock lots of people,” stated one other fan. “I feel they’re going to win, go deep, have an enormous run.”
Caufield hits milestone forward of Saturday night time
Saturday’s sport additionally comes simply days after a serious milestone for Cole Caufield.
The Canadiens ahead scored his fiftieth aim of the season Thursday towards the Tampa Bay Lightning, changing into the primary Montreal participant in 36 years to achieve the mark.
Some followers are looking forward to his efficiency in Saturday night time’s sport.
“It’s a superb day. We’re going to the sport tonight,” stated one fan. “And we count on to see one other aim from Cole Caufield.”
The achievement resonates deeply with longtime supporters.
“It’s an incredible factor for him. The final man who did it, it’s Stephane Richer. He was an incredible participant a very long time in the past,” he added. “So it’s nice for him. I’m proud to be a fan of Montreal Canadiens.”
Caufield is the seventh participant in franchise historical past to attain 50 targets in a season, becoming a member of a listing that features Man Lafleur and Maurice Richard.
He’s additionally certainly one of solely two NHL gamers to achieve the milestone this season, alongside Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon, as he enters the race for the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy.
“I used to be 5 years previous final time we had a 50-goal scorer on the crew,” stated one other supporter. “Suzuki’s two away from 100. Slav has 30 targets. I don’t bear in mind a time being this excited… it’s a superb time to be a Habs fan.”
Recognition behind the scenes
Whereas a lot of the highlight has centred on offensive achievements, recognition has additionally come for consistency and reliability.
Defenseman Mike Matheson has been named this season’s recipient of the Jacques Beauchamp-Molson Trophy, as voted by members of the media who cowl the crew. The award honours a participant whose significance to the Canadiens isn’t at all times mirrored in main accolades.
Matheson led the vote with 89 factors, ending forward of teammates Noah Dobson and Oliver Kapanen, and follows Josh Anderson as final 12 months’s recipient.
By way of 76 video games, the veteran blueliner has recorded seven targets and 30 assists whereas averaging a team-high 24:14 of ice time per sport. A gradual presence in all conditions, he has additionally taken on a number one function on the penalty kill, topping the league in common shorthanded ice time, whereas reaching a profession excessive in even-strength manufacturing.
Established in 1981 in honour of longtime sportswriter Jacques Beauchamp, the award displays the sort of quiet impression Matheson has delivered all through the season.
Tickets in demand
Tickets for the Canadiens’ playoff run went on sale to the general public Friday at midday, with sturdy demand anticipated because the crew returns to the postseason.
“I’ve season tickets. So I have already got my ticket for all of the playoffs,” stated one fan.
Followers who signed up upfront got precedence entry earlier within the week.
Yet another dwelling sport earlier than playoffs
Montreal was eradicated in 5 video games by the Washington Capitals within the first spherical final season, however expectations are larger this 12 months because the crew heads again to the postseason.
For some, the second is price travelling for.
“We’re going to the sport tonight. We’re trying ahead to it. We’re from New Hampshire. Massive Canadiens followers,” stated one customer. “That is it. That is what it’s all about.”
He pointed to the crew’s long-term progress as a motive for optimism.
“I feel the administration has achieved their job. They signed youth and so they caught with them and so they developed and so they’re doing an incredible job. Teaching all the way in which to the gamers.”
There’s pleasure — but in addition persistence.
“One sport at a time,” he added. “They received youth and it’s enjoyable to observe.”
With one dwelling sport left and two extra on the street on Sunday and Tuesday, the main target is already beginning to shift — however for followers outdoors the Bell Centre, the thrill for Saturday night time is already at full quantity.
“They’re younger, however they’re excellent,” stated one fan. “They might go very far.”
For some followers, the message was certainly one of appreciation.
“I simply need to thank the crew for an incredible season, giving all us followers one thing actually good to cheer for and having, you understand, no quitting them. It’s been, it’s been actual particular. Households getting collectively over hockey and good time to be proud in Montreal. Good time to be proud in Montreal,” stated one other fan.
