Playoff pressure peaks as Habs host Caps in Game 3 — fans fired up
Posted April 25, 2025 5:08 pm.
Last Updated April 26, 2025 5:01 pm.
The Canadiens are skating on thin ice as they return to the Bell Centre for Game 3 against the Washington Capitals. Trailing 2-0 in the first-round playoff series, tonight’s home game may offer the jolt of energy needed to get back on track.
With 21,000 fans expected to pack the arena, and thousands more gathering just outside at the official fan jam, Montreal’s loyal supporters are ready to cheer on their team.
From far and wide for the Bleu Blanc Rouge
Fans came from far and wide for a shot to see playoff hockey in Montreal.
For many, just stepping foot into the Bell Centre is a dream come true.
“I’m so excited. I’ve never been to the Bell Center. I’m probably going to cry walking in there,” said one young fan from Calgary. “We flew to Toronto and we drove here five hours to come watch the game and we’re driving back five hours. So it’s a little bit of a process getting to the game, but the tickets weren’t terribly priced like for a Montreal game. It was pretty good for what we got.”
She believes the home crowd could make all the difference. “The Bell Center is going to light up and I think them being on home ice is going to be great.”
“I don’t even know how to respond. The anxiety, the excitement, it’s overwhelming,” said one woman from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. “Well, we’ve been waiting, so as soon as we had the opportunity, we jumped on it. And 10 hours later, driving in the car, here we are.”
Confidence runs high on game day
Two fans standing outside the arena didn’t hold back their optimism.
“I’m feeling confident. We’re going to win it in six,” one said.
“I’m pretty sure Montreal will win. So yeah, very excited,” added his friend. “It’s our first playoff game — the first time. First time. Yeah, so really excited.”
“We hope to see Arber Xhekaj tonight. We need him in the lineup, and we need Tom Wilson out tonight. So, Jacky, hope you play tonight. With the energy at the Bell Centre, it will be very great.”
Generations of fans feel the hype
In a crowd of supporters, one group is especially amped up.
“We’re excited for sure. We’ve got tickets. We’re going to go in and see the game tonight for sure,” said one fan. “It’s going to be the difference maker, for sure.”
Kids nearby chimed in too.
When asked how they were feeling, one responded, “Good.”
Then, when asked who they thought would score tonight, one of the kids confidently answered, “Cole Caulfield.” The other added, “Caulfield. Suzuki.”
Belief in the building
Another fan said the Bell Centre crowd could be a game-changer.
“I’m feeling pretty confident, even though, you know, it’s been down 2-0. I heavily believe that the energy in the Bell Centre is going to get the Canadiens going, and we’re going to actually beat them tonight,” he said.
“I heavily believe Suzuki. He’s been on point the entire season, even post-season; he’s been actually really on point. So, I heavily believe Suzuki is going to bring us that lead.”
‘There’s no way we’re not losing that game’
Two other fans had bold predictions.
“Oh, we’re pretty excited. We’re for sure winning today, so yeah, we’re getting it on today,” said one. “Definitely the hype tonight is going to be crazy…we’re going to win tonight.”
“It’s a big game for sure — there’s no way we’re not losing that game. If we lose — I mean, remember when it was 3-1? We can make it happen again. But tonight’s going to be a win.”
His friend added: “Yeah, we’re pretty pumped. Lots of excitement for tonight’s game, and I think it’s going to be amazing today. We’ll definitely give the team some energy, and it’s a must-win, so let’s do it.”
“We still definitely have hope for today, but if we lose at home, then we’re in trouble. If we win, then we’re good.”
Local restaurants gear up
Restaurants near the arena are playoff-ready, with many embracing the wave of fans.
“There’s a big playoff game. Finally, playoffs are back in Montreal,” said Kevin Beaudry, general manager at La Cage in the Bell Centre. “The ambiance that was there on Monday — first playoff game for the Habs in a long time. Now it’s on our home field, and I got here at 9:25 this morning and there were already people in the streets with their sweaters on. You can feel the excitement of the town already.”
“For us, it’s a bonus, because we weren’t expecting necessarily making the playoffs at the start of the season. But now that we’ve made them, now, we’re very excited. We’re hoping to get into the second round. We’re hoping it changes today with a win. But yes, it definitely brings a lot more business for us. Like, I expect almost a record day today.”
Beaudry says La Cage takes reservations for about half the restaurant on game nights, leaving room for walk-ins, but even that’s tight. “Today, yeah, we’re really packed and people are still calling me now for reservations, and it’s impossible to fit everyone in.”
The buzz isn’t just in the building — it’s in the air.
“Oh, it’s crazy. They’re all on the edge of their seats for a goal and people are more festive, they’re spending a little bit more because of that. And no, the energy in the air is different than anything else.”
