The Montreal Canadiens aren’t just a hockey team—they’re a religion in Quebec, a heartbeat for millions, and a symbol of passion and perseverance. Through the 21st century, the Habs have taken us on a rollercoaster of emotions: jaw-dropping comebacks, heartbreaking losses, and playoff runs that made even the most skeptical fans believe in miracles.
Sure, we may not have hoisted the Stanley Cup since 1993, but let’s not forget the unforgettable moments that have defined this era. Grab a Tim Hortons coffee, settle in, and let’s relive the greatest moments of the Montreal Canadiens in the 21st century.
1. The 2021 Stanley Cup Final Run: A Cinderella Story for the Ages
Picture this: The Habs barely make the playoffs, only to storm their way to the Stanley Cup Final against all odds. Sounds like a Hollywood script, right? Well, in 2021, it became reality.
Facing the heavily favoured Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, Montreal fell into a 3-1 series hole. Leaf fans started celebrating early (rookie mistake). But the Canadiens, led by Carey Price’s clutch performances, stormed back to win the series in Game 7, sending Leafs fans into their annual existential crisis.
The ride didn’t stop there. Montreal swept the Winnipeg Jets and then stunned the Vegas Golden Knights in the Conference Final, thanks to Artturi Lehkonen’s overtime heroics in Game 6. The Bell Centre erupted. Montreal was heading to its first Stanley Cup Final in 28 years.
Sure, Tampa Bay was too strong, but the Habs’ run proved something: underestimate Montreal at your own peril.
The 2021 Stanley Cup Final was watched by over 4.1 million Canadians per game, making it one of the most viewed Finals in the country’s history.
“Pressure is something you put in your tires.” – Carey Price
2. The 2014 Eastern Conference Final: Rivalry Revenge on Boston
If there’s one thing Montreal fans can agree on, it’s that beating the Boston Bruins is extra sweet.
The 2014 playoffs saw the Canadiens take down their arch-rivals in an unforgettable seven-game series. The most iconic moment? PK Subban’s Game 1 overtime winner in Boston—an absolute laser of a shot.
But the real magic came in Game 7, when Max Pacioretty and Daniel Brière sealed the win in enemy territory. The Bruins, who had won the Presidents’ Trophy, were eliminated on their own ice. (Cue Boston tears.)
Unfortunately, Carey Price was injured in the Conference Final against the Rangers, and the Habs’ Cup dreams ended there. But still, taking down the Bruins? That was a championship in itself.
Montreal’s Game 7 win over Boston drew over 3.5 million viewers in Canada, making it one of the most-watched non-Stanley Cup games in Canadian TV history.
“There’s no one better than the Montreal Canadiens in a Game 7.” – Jean Béliveau
3. The 2008 Miracle Comeback Against the Rangers
Let’s be real: coming back from a 5-0 deficit in the NHL is next to impossible.
On February 19, 2008, the Canadiens hosted the New York Rangers, and by the second period, things were looking ugly. The Habs were down 5-0, fans were contemplating an early exit, and even the most optimistic supporters had lost hope.
Then? The unthinkable happened.
Montreal rattled off five straight goals to tie the game, sending the Bell Centre into pure chaos. Alex Kovalev led the charge, scoring twice, and the Canadiens won 6-5 in a shootout.
It was the first time in franchise history the Canadiens had ever come back from five goals down to win. This wasn’t just a game; it was a testament to the never-say-die spirit of this franchise.
This remains one of the biggest comebacks in NHL history, with only a handful of teams ever managing a five-goal turnaround.
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men.” – Muhammad Ali
4. The 2010 Playoff Run: Halak’s Heroics
Before Carey Price fully became the king of the crease, Jaroslav Halak had his own legendary run in 2010.
Montreal barely made the playoffs, drawing the powerhouse Washington Capitals in Round 1. With Alex Ovechkin and company firing on all cylinders, the Habs looked doomed.
Enter Halak.
In Game 6, he put on one of the greatest goaltending performances in NHL history—53 saves in a 2-1 win. The Habs won Game 7, shocking the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Capitals.
If that wasn’t enough, Montreal took down Sidney Crosby’s Penguins in Round 2, before finally running out of steam in the Conference Final.
But that run? It was pure magic.
Halak finished the 2010 playoffs with a .923 save percentage, one of the highest ever recorded in a single postseason.
Conclusion: The Legacy Lives On
The Canadiens may not have won a Stanley Cup (yet) in the 21st century, but they’ve given fans memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s miracle comebacks, shocking upsets, or deep playoff runs, the Habs always find a way to keep us on the edge of our seats.
And much like a good appliance repair, a strong team needs the right pieces in place to function. Just like a fridge that suddenly stops working when you need it most (looking at you, 2021 Canadiens in the Cup Final), the right expertise makes all the difference. For anyone who needs a game plan for their home appliances, check out a comprehensive guide. Techvill team of appliance repair technicians in Edmonton, can help you solve any home problem.
So, Habs fans, what’s next? Could we be on the verge of another legendary moment?
As the great Maurice Richard once said, “A team is where a boy can prove his courage on his own. A team is also where a boy will find the best friends of his life.”
Go Habs Go.