The Montreal Canadiens are gearing up for their playoff opener Sunday, a rematch of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
As the team heads to Tampa Bay for Game 1, businesses in Montreal say they are also preparing for a surge in customers driven by playoff excitement.
“The playoffs could make or break you. It’s not an easy business to be in and this will make us,” said Paul Quinn, one of the owners of the newly reopened Peel Pub.
Quinn said he expects revenue to rise by as much as 80 per cent. “Sundays probably would have been quieter, but with the spring and the playoffs, it’s like Christmas in spring,” he said.
Ziggy’s Pub owner Ziggy Eichenbaum said he is anticipating a similar boost.
“The energy is absolutely fantastic, it’s like getting hit by lightning,” he said. “You get the vibe of everybody coming downtown again, watching the game and then partying after.”
At a press conference Thursday, Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada said the Canadiens’ playoff run is good news for the downtown core.
“When we do the series, it’s good for business. It’s good for just having people happy,” said Martinez Ferrada.
Business owners say they are investing heavily to prepare for the crowds.
“We’ve tripled our ordering. Instead of ordering about $20,000 in beer, we’ve ordered $50,000. It’s going to be busy,” Quinn said.
Eichenbaum said he has also increased inventory and staffing. “I’ve got double the staff, double the beer and alcohol, everything is doubled, and business goes up between 40 and 50 per cent,” he said.
But not everyone is convinced the playoff rush translates into a broader economic gain.
Moshe Lander, a senior lecturer in economics at Concordia University, said that while downtown bars and entertainment venues may benefit, the overall impact across the city is likely to be limited.
He said spending tends to shift rather than increase, with some neighbourhood establishments losing customers as crowds concentrate downtown.
“What about the pubs that are further afield? You’re going to find that they’re emptied out because everybody wants to come downtown,” Lander said. He added that higher spending during the playoffs could lead to cutbacks later as consumers adjust their budgets.
“When you look at the bigger picture, people may spend more now, on drinks, merchandise, but that often means spending less elsewhere down the line,” he said, pointing to possible reductions in dining, entertainment and travel.
Lander also said that while some tourists may come to Montreal for playoff games, that effect can be offset by residents leaving the city and spending money elsewhere.
Meanwhile, fans in Montreal are rallying behind the Canadiens’ young roster.
“We’re the youngest team in the playoffs, so I’m feeling really confident against Tampa,” said Montrealer Felix Bisson.
“They’re doing so well. They broke so many records with the rookie, the defence, most points by Suzuki, most goals by Caufield. So what more can you ask?” said Rod Lauren.
Guy St-Germain said he is both nervous and hopeful ahead of Sunday’s game.
“We’ll see if we can win it. I think so,” he said.
“We have a good goaltender, Caufield’s contributing, and we’re doing well,” added Isabelle Mandeville.
