Anticipation is building in downtown Montreal as the Canadiens prepare to face the Columbus Blue Jackets in their final home game of the regular season Saturday night, with fans gathering outside the Bell Centre ahead of puck drop.
For some, the moment carries extra meaning.
“I’m super excited. And I’m very nervous at the same time. It’s my first time in Montreal,” said one fan who travelled in for the game. “I feel like they did so much. They’re doing incredible. They’re so good.”
The matchup marks the last chance for fans to see the team at home before the Canadiens wrap up the regular season Tuesday against the Philadelphia Flyers.
With a playoff spot already secured, the game feels more like a buildup to the postseason than an ending.
Montreal clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the second straight season on April 5, when the Minnesota Wild defeated the Detroit Red Wings.
The Canadiens secured their place with six games remaining on the schedule, following a late-season surge that included an eight-game winning streak.
That momentum is something fans can feel — even for those coming in from outside the city.
“I’m feeling pretty good. I think the Habs should get her done again, just like they did on Thursday night,” said one supporter. “They’re an absolute wagon right now.”
It’s been a strong year for a young roster that has continued to develop, giving fans reason for optimism heading into the playoffs.
Captain Nick Suzuki has led the way offensively, reaching the 90-point mark, while several younger players have made key contributions across the lineup.
“The guys have been playing really good, playing full three periods of hockey. Always nervous going into a game, but should be all right. We got the W. Nothing to worry about,” said another fan who made the trip from the Ottawa Valley. “
There’s also a growing belief that this group could exceed expectations.
“I think they’re going to surprise a lot of people,” said another fan. “I think they’re going to win, go deep, have a big run.”
Saturday’s game also comes just days after a major milestone for Cole Caufield.
The Canadiens forward scored his 50th goal of the season Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, becoming the first Montreal player in 36 years to reach the mark.
Some fans are eager for his performance in Saturday night’s game.
“It’s an excellent day. We are going to the game tonight,” said one fan. “And we expect to see another goal from Cole Caufield.”
The achievement resonates deeply with longtime supporters.
“It’s a great thing for him. The last guy who did it, it’s Stephane Richer. He was a great player a long time ago,” he added. “So it’s great for him. I’m proud to be a fan of Montreal Canadiens.”
Caufield is the seventh player in franchise history to score 50 goals in a season, joining a list that includes Guy Lafleur and Maurice Richard.
He is also one of only two NHL players to reach the milestone this season, alongside Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon, as he enters the race for the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy.
“I was five years old last time we had a 50-goal scorer on the team,” said another supporter. “Suzuki’s two away from 100. Slav has 30 goals. I don’t remember a time being this excited… it’s a good time to be a Habs fan.”
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While much of the spotlight has centred on offensive achievements, recognition has also 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 cover the team. The award honours a player whose importance to the Canadiens isn’t always reflected in major accolades.
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Matheson led the vote with 89 points, finishing ahead of teammates Noah Dobson and Oliver Kapanen, and follows Josh Anderson as last year’s recipient.
Through 76 games, the veteran blueliner has recorded seven goals and 30 assists while averaging a team-high 24:14 of ice time per game. A steady presence in all situations, he has also taken on a leading role on the penalty kill, topping the league in average shorthanded ice time, while reaching a career high in even-strength production.
Established in 1981 in honour of longtime sportswriter Jacques Beauchamp, the award reflects the kind of quiet impact Matheson has delivered throughout the season.
Tickets for the Canadiens’ playoff run went on sale to the public Friday at noon, with strong demand expected as the team returns to the postseason.
“I have season tickets. So I already have my ticket for all the playoffs,” said one fan.
Fans who signed up in advance were given priority access earlier in the week.
Montreal was eliminated in five games by the Washington Capitals in the first round last season, but expectations are higher this year as the team heads back to the postseason.
For some, the moment is worth travelling for.
“We’re going to the game tonight. We’re looking forward to it. We’re from New Hampshire. Big Canadiens fans,” said one visitor. “This is it. This is what it’s all about.”
He pointed to the team’s long-term growth as a reason for optimism.
“I think the management has done their job. They signed youth and they stuck with them and they developed and they’re doing an amazing job. Coaching all the way to the players.”
There’s excitement — but also patience.
“One game at a time,” he added. “They got youth and it’s fun to watch.”
With one home game left and two more on the road on Sunday and Tuesday, the focus is already starting to shift — but for fans outside the Bell Centre, the excitement for Saturday night is already at full volume.
“They are young, but they are very good,” said one fan. “They could go very far.”
For some fans, the message was one of appreciation.
“I just want to thank the team for a great season, giving all us fans something really good to cheer for and having, you know, no quitting them. It’s been, it’s been real special. Families getting together over hockey and good time to be proud in Montreal. Good time to be proud in Montreal,” said another fan.
