It’s May 11, 2026, and the Montreal Canadiens have just won a game 6-2 against the Buffalo Sabres. It’s the Stanley Cup playoffs, and it’s been a long time since Montreal’s iconic hockey team has made it this far in the competition.
The Montreal Canadiens hockey team was founded in 1904—it is the oldest team in the NHL (National Hockey League) and has won the Stanley Cup 24 times. The last time was in 1993.
It’s a team with deep roots in Quebec and French Canada. “Habs”—the H in the C of the team’s logo—stands for “habitants,” the French-speaking people of Quebec.
There’s still a long way to go, but the Canadiens have just won eight games in a row—a phenomenon, a miracle—and if the Habs keep winning, Montrealers might just lose their minds. With joy, of course.
If you’re planning to attend the Canadiens’ playoff games, we have a few recommendations.
At Double’s (Dobe’s)
The Montreal sports bar Double’s renamed itself Dobe’s during the playoffs, in honor of Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes. It’s one of the most classic and enjoyable sports bars in Montreal, and definitely one of the places with the best atmosphere during a Canadiens game.
At Champs
The best way to enjoy a game night without the ugliness of violence and the pointless machismo that it all too often breeds is to head to Champs—the sports bar is lesbian and queer-friendly, and one of the coolest spots in the city to watch a game.
At the Prince Pub
The Prince Pub is a sports bar that’s a bit more upscale than average, featuring shrimp cocktails, oysters, and a polished aesthetic that pairs perfectly with a Canadiens game—like a fine vintage.