Montreal Canadiens take on Capitals in first round of playoffs tonight

After four long years, playoff hockey is back in Montreal.

The Canadiens are hitting the ice for Game 1 against Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals in Washington, and the city is more than ready to tune in.

Montreal needed all 82 games to lock up their playoff spot last week, and fans are drawing comparisons to 2010, when the Habs stunned the Capitals in seven games.

You can watch Game 1 between the Canadiens and Capitals Monday night at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

CityNews spoke to fans ahead of puck drop — and the confidence is there.

“Tonight is going to be a very important game for us,” said one fan, dressed in Habs gear. “A lot of people saying that we’re the underdog, but I think we’re going to get it tonight, send them a message — and from there we’re going to go all the way,” he said.

Another fan said, “Big game — Game 1. I just went to the shop to get some jerseys for the boys and I’m super hyped about it.

“We’re going to win. We’re going to end this series in five for sure.”

As for who’s on the backs of those jerseys? “So I got a Guhle. I got Caufield. And I got four Demidovs.”

Speaking about Demidov, the Canadiens rookie: “He’s great. Super good attitude. I think he’s going to be on our second PP (power play). So yeah, I think the guys are just psyched to see him.”

Habs history gives hope

One longtime fan, watching with his family, believes the Canadiens are primed for another classic playoff upset.

“Those guys are on a mission this year with Ovi (Ovechkin) breaking the record and stuff like that. This team is really united and I think they have some magic behind them, but so do the Montreal Canadiens, and I’m excited to see the matchup between Demidov and Ovechkin.

“Seriously, I think the Montreal Canadiens fans, we used to be really surprised when they came into the playoffs as an underdog. Remember 2002, 2004, 2010. So yeah, I’m pretty excited. I think the Canadiens will do well against the Capitals.”

His godson chimed in: “Me too. I’m excited for the playoffs. I think the Montreal Canadiens will win the game.”

Buzz builds in the city

It’s not just fans feeling the energy. Businesses around Montreal are preparing for a boost as playoff hockey returns.

“We have people already reserving, looking to come in,” said Rod Applebee, the general manager at Hurley’s Irish Pub. “Five, six — we’ll start to fill up, people watching, and then hopefully having those celebration beers after. So it’s going to be a good couple of weeks.”

Applebee says the excitement is already in the air. “We start the playoffs — I know we’re away, but it’s still a good buzz in the city. A lot of excitement. Driving in, with the radio, all stations are talking about it. So it’s an amazing boom for the city.”

And it’s not just Habs games that draw a crowd. “People also start watching the other games. Definitely a lot of people will be watching Toronto and Ottawa and whoever Montreal will be playing next. Every night is a little bit of a boost. It’s just… it’s playoffs, and yeah.”

As a fan himself, Applebee’s got high hopes. “I’m very excited. Huge Habs fan. This is going to be fun. I remember the last one in the summer, which was amazing, but this is proper — proper time.

“I’m going away next week, so hopefully Habs in seven. If they do it earlier, that’s fine. But full prediction — I’m always going Habs.”

Suiting up for the playoffs

Jerseys are flying off the shelves as fans get ready to show their colours. “I just bought my jersey — Caufield jersey — at the store next door,” said one woman. “I’ve been looking for this for months and can’t wait for the playoffs to start tonight.”

She’s optimistic. “I feel pretty good, pretty strong. I think they’re going to do well. They may be a little bit rusty in the first game, but they’re going to win this first round, no doubt about it.”

“I think they’re going to win in six this round and move to the second round.”

“To score? I think we can count on Suzuki, and maybe the new stars will start scoring on the next game — but Suzuki and Caufield make a great team.”

A young fan echoed the sentiment: “Exciting. I just — I think the Montreal Canadiens, I think they’re going to win like in Game 6 or 7.”

His favourite player? “Nick Suzuki!” he said proudly. “I’ll say Suzuki and Laine to score.”

‘I love Malkin much better’

Confidence is high among the fans, but also the Canadiens players themselves.

Ovechkin have been at the centre of the hockey world this season as he broke Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record, but two Montreal players he’ll be facing in the first round of the playoffs aren’t feeling star-struck.

Canadiens stars Patrik Laine and Ivan Demidov were both asked after practice on Saturday about playing against Ovechkin as the Canadiens prepare to face the Capitals in the playoffs.

“Doesn’t matter, couldn’t care less,” Laine said.

“I love Malkin much better,” was Demidov’s answer.

The Capitals enter the series as the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed while the Canadiens snuck into the playoffs with an impressive push in the final two months of the season.

–With files from Sportsnet