It’s three long decades since fans of the Montreal Canadiens celebrated their beloved team getting their hands on the Stanley Cup. The 1993 victory over the Los Angeles Kings is such a distant memory, those bright-eyed youthful Habs fans won’t even remember it! No team has come close to repeating the 20th-century success exhibited by the Canadiens, but fans would surely swap some of that for a taste of victory sooner rather than later.

Montreal Canadiens: Key Players

Going into this season , optimistic fans among the bunch believed a shot at this year’s Stanley Cup was still on the cards.  If you’re someone that enjoys betting on ice hockey, it might be worth checking out where you can find the best online casino bonus in 2023. These bonuses are a great way of getting the most out of your betting experience as you can often earn a free bet, which can be used on the upcoming Canadiens games.

But heading into this season, most Habs fans tempered their expectations when it comes to the playoffs. They didn’t qualify for the 2021-22 season and had coach Dominique Ducharme fired in the meantime. Under Martin St. Louis’ wing, they haven’t fared much better. At the bottom of the Atlantic Division with 66 points, the Canadiens aren’t reaching the playoffs this year.

The Habs’ dashed playoffs hopes come off the back of injuries, losing key players for the rest of the season. The biggest blow to the Habs was losing Cole Caufield to his January 12th shoulder dislocation. Since arriving in the 2019 draft, the young right wing had gone from strength to strength. The 22-year-old was one of the team’s smaller players but had set the league alight. Unfortunately, the flame that burned twice as bright lasted half as long, and he isn’t finishing this season.

His 26 goals in 46 games had ranked him as the Canadiens’ top scorer and also mean he had surpassed last season’s total goals in around 20 fewer games. That’s a talent that the Habs couldn’t access for the rest of the season.

Center Nick Suzuki was also on track to have his best campaign in Montreal, and his goals were crucial in Caufield’s absence. The youngest-ever Canadiens captain has over 40 goal involvements in 56 games and stands alongside Kirby Dach as one of the team’s most creative assets. The pair have notched up 48 assists between them already this season.

There is enough young talent in this Canadiens team to make a competitive squad in future seasons. If Caufield improves and Suzuki ups his game to become the latest in a long line of great Habs captains, they could top the Atlantic Division and take a playoff spot in later seasons.

Betting Odds for the Stanley Cup

It’s obvious by now that the Canadiens aren’t lifting the Cup this season. Just prior to being mathematically eliminated, most major sportsbook price their chances at +50000. That’s roughly a 0.5% likelihood.

Habs fans can take some small comfort from knowing there are plenty below them in the betting tables. The Arizona Coyotes, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks and Colombus Blue Jackets are all bigger outside bets.

The last two years have been rough for the most decorated team in ice hockey, at least when it comes to playoffs and Cup bids. However, even when the odds have been stacked against them, the Habs have put together some impressive performances in 2023 that shows the team still has some fight in them.

The 3-2 overtime win against the Toronto Maple Leafs and the 4-3 overtime win against the New York Islanders are season highlights that show the Canadiens are more than capable of hanging with those ranked above them on their day.

If their key players can keep fit and guide them toward a few consecutive wins, the Habs can build enough momentum to give them a chance at reaching future playoffs. This year, they aren’t going to make it. Let’s call it a training season.

Watching your favorite sport in person is an entirely different experience than watching it on TV. There’s something special and splendid about being at the game, surrounded by thousands of other passionate fans who are all there to support their team. It’s an adrenaline rush that can’t be replicated in any other way. 
Being at a live sporting event gives you the chance to feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself, and it also provides a great opportunity to bond with friends and family over a shared interest or passion. Also, watching sports in person allows you to get up close and personal with some of the world’s greatest athletes, giving you an unforgettable experience that will last for years to come. All these things combined make attending a live sporting event one of the most enjoyable experiences.

If you love hockey, here is why you need to watch it in person.

You Can Be A Part Of A Community

Watching hockey in person can be an incredibly rewarding experience, as it allows you to become a part of the community. This is especially true for countries where hockey is the national sport, like Canada, for example. You get to witness the energy and excitement of the crowd, which is something that cannot be replicated when watching from home. Being surrounded by passionate fans cheering for their team can make you feel part of something bigger than yourself. Additionally, attending a live game gives you access to exclusive experiences such as pre-game events or post-game meet and greets with players. This is a great way to connect with other fans and build relationships with people who share your passion for hockey. You can also discuss sports bets with other hockey lovers in Canada. On World Sports Network (WSN.com) you can see where online sports betting is legal in Canada, and use this information to see whether or not the part of Canada you live in allows you to legally gamble. If you are interested in the current NHL standings, we regularly update the tables within all divisions.  

Witness The Wonders Of The Game

Hockey is a physical game that needs to be witnessed in person because of the speed and intensity of the action. The players move quickly, often at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, and constantly make split-second decisions. Watching hockey live gives you an appreciation for how fast the game moves and how much skill it takes to make plays happen. Additionally, watching hockey live allows you to experience the physicality of the sport firsthand. You can feel the impact of body checks as players battle for position in front of the net or along the boards. You can also appreciate how hard it is for goalies to stop shots from close range when they have only fractions of a second to react. Finally, watching hockey live allows you to experience all the excitement of being part of a crowd cheering on your favorite team.

Hockey Is A Strategic Sport

Hockey is a strategic sport because it requires players to think ahead and anticipate their opponent’s moves. The game is fast-paced and requires quick decision-making, as well as an understanding of the rules and strategies. Players must be able to read the play, recognize patterns, and make split-second decisions to succeed. In addition, hockey is a team sport requiring players to work together to succeed. Each player must understand their role on the team and how they can contribute to its overall success. This means that each player must be aware of their teammates’ positions on the ice at all times to effectively move around one another without getting in each other’s way or creating dangerous situations. As such, hockey is a highly strategic sport requiring coaches and players to think ahead and plan their moves accordingly.

Habs fans are some of the most passionate and enthusiastic hockey fans around. After all, supporting the Montreal Canadiens is about loyalty, dedication, and the ability to cheer them on even when they appear to be letting you down. 

While Youppi! may take it easy after a suspenseful match, fans are generally rearing to go and still riding the high from an epic win (or looking for comfort after a heartbreaking loss). Therefore, taking the game into their own hands may be a great way to continue celebrating or gain some distraction.

Thankfully, several software developers have provided the means to do this through their hockey-themed slots. These companies have created games that Habs fans and even those supporting other teams will fall head over skates for.

Hockey League – Pragmatic Play

The most popular hockey-themed slot is Hockey League by famed developer Pragmatic Play. With the ability to make you feel like you’ve been transported directly into the rink, this game is recommended for seasoned gambling veterans and those just starting out. 

The game is pretty simple and operates the same as any other slot. You have a 5×3 grid of symbols that are all hockey related. Pay lines depend on the site you’re playing on and vary between 9 and 20. This is a bit strange, as developers usually prefer to fix the number of lines, but certainly nothing to complain about. 

The real gem of this game isn’t the wilds that substitute other symbols or the free spin jackpot. The incredible graphics and sound are so immersive and representative of an NHL game that you’ll believe you’re there. 

Break Away Deluxe – Microgaming

Microgaming, makers of the infinitely popular Mega Moolah, is known in the industry as the developer of some of the most memorable and profitable slot games. For hockey lovers, Break Away Deluxe is another game that hits the mark perfectly.

Set on the cold ice of the rink, the game has a 5×5 grid and lets you choose between 18, 38, 68, or 88 pay lines. Your bet amount will increase or decrease accordingly, depending on the number of lines you play with.

While the graphics are basic and feature hockey staples like players, helmets, and ice rinks, the gameplay is what you should get excited about. In addition to free spins, the game features stacked wilds and cascading icons that let you win multiple times on a single spin.  

Hockey Hero – Push Gaming

Showing what it is like to be on the ice in an almost scarily accurate way, Hockey Hero follows three superstars of the sport in their quest for victory. These heroes are the highest-paying symbols, with all lower-paying symbols displayed through a sheet of cracked ice.

If the backtrack of screaming fans, bells, and whistles isn’t enough to get you into the hockey spirit, the way the game works definitely will. It hosts a regular 5×3 grid and 40 pay lines. However, the three sportsmen can appear as an entire reel and, when falling on the first reel, will trigger an automatic respin. 

Respins activated by the heroes can continue up to five times, potentially leading to some winnings you’ll be screaming about. The game also features a wild symbol and five free spins that let you choose which athlete you want to help you achieve greatness.

Ice Hockey – Playtech

If you’re searching for an incredible hockey slot accessible from Canada, Playtech’s Ice Hockey may be your holy grail. Featuring a 5×3 grid, this game lets you pit teams against each other—something hockey fans will particularly enjoy.

To start playing, you’ll need to pick two national teams from the supported list, including the USA, Russia, Germany, and (of course) Canada. Each team will place three players on the reels, and each team will grant wins depending on where they land (from left to right or vice versa). 

The slot offers plenty more if the excitement of competition between teams isn’t enough. Some wilds force the two teams to work together to award significant wins, and there is a bonus game that gives 12 free spins. 

Hockey League Wild Match – Pragmatic Play

Released as a different variation of Pragmatic Play’s popular Hockey League (mentioned earlier in this article), this game ups the ante and keeps you on the edge of your seat. While it may look very similar to the original game, the Hockey League Wild Match version offers a few gameplay changes that are sure to please.

The most noticeable change is that wins can now occur both ways—left to right and right to left. Because of this, the way the reels fall has also changed, with reels stopping in an alternating pattern from the left and then the right. 

The game’s visuals have been retained and make you feel like you’re watching on an old television, and the soundtrack is incredible. There are also wilds that substitute, and the scatters offer ten free spins that come with a three-time multiplier. 

Notable Mentions

While the above games are the cream of the crop, there are a few others that will surely have your inner hockey player fighting to get out. Some of these include:

• Jagr’s Super Slot – Inspired Gaming
• Break Away Lucky Wilds – Microgaming
• Field Hockey Hero – Push Gaming
• Hockey Hero – RealTime Gaming
• Hockey Attack – Pragmatic Play

The 2022/23 NHL season is proving to be monstrously competitive in just about every area of the standings, with a couple of Original Six exceptions. While the Montréal Canadiens were basement dwellers at the 54-game mark at second-last in the Eastern Conference, the Habs were only 12 points back of the nearest wild-card spot.

Sure, it’d require a winning streak not seen by this beaten-up Canadiens side, but a late run in the last 28 games wasn’t out of the question with the way that league has ebbed and flowed this season. For the most part, though, the viable Stanley Cup competitors have already laid down the gauntlet, with three of them not only being Eastern Conference rivals but also rivals from the days of the Original Six. While the NHL has become much, much more competitive since its early days, especially since the salary cap came into play, Original Six teams make up the glut of champions. Of 106 Stanley Cups competed for, 64 or 60.4 percent have gone to Original Six teams – with the Habs, naturally, atop that wins chart. The franchises have a history of going far, and in 2023, the first of this exclusive club since the 2015 Chicago Blackhawks looks primed to win it all.

Original Six teams amongst the favourites

As you’d expect following the team’s 40-8-5 run to a mighty .802-point percentage rate, the Boston Bruins are the favourites to win the Stanley Cup. However, as the NHL playoffs are notoriously fraught with upsets, the B’s aren’t found at short odds with Canadian bookmakers.

Of the top betting sites in Ontario, per Canadian-sports-betting.com, the two that have long focussed on the Canadian market, Bet99 and Sports Interaction, have the Bruins at +460 and +481, respectively. This is despite Boston being seven points clear of the second-placed Carolina Hurricanes at the time of writing while on the same number of games played.

Looking at the other teams atop the odds rankings, you can see why the Bruins aren’t running clear yet. Fellow Original Six members Toronto and the New York Rangers are hot on their heels and are coming in from the Eastern Conference. At +900 and +924 for the Buds and +1300 and +1309 for NYR, they’re not being counted out yet.

Assessing the credentials of Boston, NYR, and Toronto

The Boston Bruins have reached the peak of the NHL through a tremendously consistent team effort. With 40 wins in the bag, it’s remarkable that Thehockeynews.com found that only one of their players sat in the top 50 for scoring. It demonstrates how well all lines are playing for the B’s and emphasizes the role of the goaltenders.

Linus Ullmark held an absurd 1.90 GAA and .937 SV% by his 27th win, while Jeremy Swayman also pulled his weight to record a 12-4-4- record with a .914 SV%. Boston’s success in the postseason, as most teams find, will come down to their goaltenders staying hot. Still, like the record-setting 2018/19 Lightning and their 128-point regular season, there’s always a chance that the Bruins will capitulate and bow out in the First Round.

Set to avoid the Bruins in the First Round, the Maple Leafs will hope to finally break past the opening series of the playoffs for the first time since 2003/04. That includes their current six-season streak of immediate expulsion from the postseason. Thehockeywriters.com report that Tyler Bertuzzi would be an ideal addition to one of the strongest teams in the conference as he’d deliver high-impact play and grit for the battles ahead.   

Surging on a six-game winning streak, the New York Rangers look set to secure their place in the Metropolitan Division’s spots following a superb bit of dealing before the trade window started to heat up. Acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko from the St. Louis Blues before they put up the fire sale sign was excellent business, reinforcing an already deep, star-studded roster that’s backed by the reigning Vezina Trophy winner.

While Habs fans won’t like the Bruins running away atop the standings, Montréal can take solace in the fact that regular-season success doesn’t guarantee postseason triumphs. So far this season, Boston has defeated the Rangers twice in two games and is 2-1 against the Maple Leafs. Again, though, everything changes in the playoffs.

Montreal Canadiens advance to 2021 Stanley Cup Finals

It’s been a rough two years for the Montreal Canadiens and their fans. Nothing has been the same since their miracle run to the Stanley Cup Final during the 2021 playoffs. The Habs wildly outperformed expectations that postseason and paid for it in karmic dividends the next season, coming back down to earth in the worst possible way: they earned 55 points on the way to a 22-49-11 record, finishing the season as the worst team in the National Hockey League for the first time since 1940.

While the Habs have greatly improved this season (with one more victory they’ll have as many wins as they did in 2022 in nearly 30 fewer games) Montreal hasn’t fared much better in the standings. Their 21-27-4 record sets them as the second-worst team in the Eastern Conference, only ahead of an abysmal Blue Jackets team.

Unsurprisingly, that means that Montreal has some of the worst odds to win the Stanley Cup in 2023: they’re listed at or around +50000 at sportsbooks across Ontario, meaning that bookies project them as having just a 500 to 1 chance of winning Lord Stanley’s Cup for the 25th time this year.

They aren’t completely done yet, sitting 15 points out of a playoff spot with 30 games left to play, but it’s not looking good.

How They Got Here:

General Manager Kent Hughes had a busy offseason, wheeling and dealing in making a series of trades to try and shore up the last-place roster. Hughes also tried to escape unnecessary cap hits for aging players, opening up flexibility (and acquiring draft picks) for future seasons.

Montreal hosted the 2022 NHL Entry Draft at the Bell Centre, a fitting location after they won the draft lottery. The Canadiens picked Slovak power forward Juraj Slafkovsky with the first overall pick. Slafkovsky didn’t take any time to climb through the minor leagues (and it wasn’t hard to find a place for him on Montreal’s depleted roster), making his NHL debut in the Habs first game of the season. He’s suffered through a rocky rookie year, scoring just four goals and six assists through 39 games.

The Habs acquired a first-round pick from the New York Islanders in exchange for defenseman Alexander Romanov. Hughes then flipped that pick to Chicago for center Kirby Dach, who has had the highest-scoring season of his young career, tallying 12 goals and 22 assists in 52 games. Dach, 22, is still a developing player despite already having the better part of four seasons under his belt. He stands 6-foot-4 and is listed at 212 pounds after weighing in closer to 190 earlier in the season: it’ll be interesting to see how his game changes as he continues to bulk up.

Hughes also escaped the cap hit of the the-34-year-old defenseman Jeff Petry, who wore out his welcome in Montreal with an abysmal 2021-22 season. Habs fans nicknamed him the ‘Tank Commander,’ alluding to his poor play as the centerpiece of a team in freefall. With three years remaining on his $6.25 million average annual value (AAV) contract, Hughes cut salary by flipping him to the Pittsburgh Penguins along with center Ryan Poehling in return for offensive defenseman Mike Matheson as the teams tried to give up-and-down players a second chance with a change of scenery.

Unfortunately for the Habs, Matheson’s first season in Quebec hasn’t been able to get off the ground yet: he’s played in just 18 games this season, tallying two goals and eight assists. Matheson didn’t make his season debut until November 19 after a preseason abdominal strain, then missed another month with an undisclosed lower-body injury. However, he could be due for a breakout, as he had his best game in red and blue against the Islanders on Saturday, scoring the overtime game-winner.

Later in the offseason, Hughes elected to take on some salary, picking up center Sean Monahan from the Calgary Flames in return for a series of conditional picks, including a first-rounder.

Monahan signed a seven-year contract worth nearly $45 million in 2016 and never lived up to his lofty salary, so the Flames wanted to cut ties with him to clear up space for center Nazem Kadri in their attempt to win now. With just one year remaining on the deal (as opposed to three for Petry), Hughes took on Monahan’s cap hit to acquire future draft capital.

This is head coach Martin St. Louis’ first full season behind the bench: he was named the interim head man in mid-2022, and Hughes gave him a three-year extension after he managed a 14-19-4 finish with a mediocre roster.

Hockey is an integral part of Canadian culture and identity. It has become a symbol of national pride and unity, with Canadians from all walks of life coming together to cheer on their favorite hockey team. As such, it can be argued that hockey plays a significant role in the formation and maintenance of Canadian national identity. Hockey is not only a popular sport in Canada but also a source of national pride and unity. 

If you too are a fan of hockey, you might be interested in playing hockey themed games. Is that’s the case, check out top online casino reviews to find the best casinos that offer hockey themed games. If you’re more interested in the sport itself, you might want to know what role hockey plays in Canadian identity and culture. This article will give you insight into just that.

Analyzing why Canadians are so passionate about hockey

Hockey is an integral part of Canadian culture and identity. It has been a beloved pastime for generations, and it’s no surprise that Canadians are so passionate about the sport. One reason why Canadians are so passionate about hockey is because it’s a source of national pride. Hockey is seen as a symbol of Canada’s strength and resilience, and many Canadians take great pride in their country’s success in the sport. 

Hockey provides an opportunity for people to come together and share their love for the game. Whether it’s watching games on TV or attending live events, hockey brings people together from all walks of life to celebrate their shared passion. The sport offers an escape from everyday, giving people something to look forward to during difficult times, and providing them with a sense of joy and excitement that can be hard to find elsewhere.

Examining the cultural significance of hockey in Canadian society

Hockey is an integral part of Canadian culture and has been for many years. It is a source of national pride, with Canadians often referring to themselves as “hockey fans” or “hockey players”. Hockey has become a symbol of Canadian identity, with the game being seen as a representation of the country’s values and beliefs. The sport has also been used to bring people together, creating a sense of unity among Canadians from all walks of life.

Hockey is also seen as an important part of Canada’s history, with many iconic moments in the game being remembered fondly by generations of Canadians. From the 1972 Summit Series between Canada and Russia to Sidney Crosby’s golden goal in 2010, hockey has provided some truly memorable moments that have shaped our nation’s history.

Hockey is more than just a game in Canada; it is an important part of the culture and heritage of the land that will continue to be celebrated for years to come.

How does playing or watching hockey bring people together across the country?

Hockey is a beloved sport in Canada, and it has the power to bring people together from all across the country. Whether you’re playing or watching hockey, it can be a great way to connect with others who share your passion for the game. Watching hockey games on TV or streaming them online can help create a sense of community among fans, as they cheer on their favorite teams and players.

Playing hockey also brings people together, whether it’s at an organized league or just some friends getting together for a pickup game. Hockey provides an opportunity for people to come together and bond over their shared love of the sport. It also encourages physical activity and healthy competition, which can be beneficial both mentally and physically.

In conclusion, hockey has had a huge impact on Canadian identity and culture, from its inception as an amateur sport to its current status as a professional and popular form of entertainment.

Cole Caufield to miss remainder of the 2022-23 season

A late surge into the playoffs already seems beyond the reach of the Montreal Canadiens in 2023. As the regular season heads into February, the Habs seem consigned to regrouping for next term and beyond.

It’s been a difficult stretch for the team, and a difficult task may now be impossible due to the injury suffered by Cole Caulfield.

Avoidable Absence

Right winger Caulfield is now set to miss the remainder of the campaign and is facing shoulder surgery. His injury has caused a good deal of controversy with claims that the team doctors should have shut him down much earlier.

At the age of just 22, Caulfield is seen as part of a brighter Habs’ future. A stunning career for Wisconsin at college level saw the winger drafted into the Montreal Canadiens’ squad in 2021, and he’s been establishing himself in the starting line up since that point.

Cole Caulfield now needs to start focusing on a return next season, but is there anything left for the Habs this term?

Slim Hopes

Even before Cole Caulfield succumbed to injury, Montreal Canadiens’ season was already being written off. In terms of the Stanley Cup, that hope has long since vanished. Currently, online betting sites around the industry show that the Boston Bruins are clear favorites to take the biggest prize.

The closest challenges are expected to come from the Colorado Avalanche, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Carolina Hurricanes.

Montreal Canadiens are nowhere to be found in the Stanley Cup markets, but what about Divisional and Conference odds? Once again, those sportsbooks indicate that success in either the Eastern Conference or the Atlantic Division is unlikely, to say the least.

It’s all about regrouping for next season when those markets will be reset. The odds in question are supplied by Sbo.net who monitor NHL betting throughout the campaign. Stanley Cup options are published well in advance and readers can take time to assess the figures.

Also available is supporting information in the shape of breaking news, opinion and useful betting guides. Those that wish to test their knowledge further are able to do so, as all sportsbooks on the SBO panel will be willing to accept new customers.

In return for completing a fast and secure online registration form, many operators will release an impressive welcome package. There are several funding providers on hand who can smooth the financial transactions while help operators are standing by.

Moving forward, there will be other benefits to playing regularly. Mobile betting apps, live markets and a choice of other sports are regularly provided. It’s a one stop shop for hockey betting, but can the Habs make more of an impact in 2023?

Issues in 2022/2023

The injury to Cole Caulfield simply rounded off what had already been a subdued campaign at the Bell Centre. After 67 games of the regular season, the Canadiens sat rock bottom in the Atlantic Division standings, and hopes of making it into the playoffs had all but evaporated.

Caulfield may not be the most important player on the Habs’ roster, but he’s certainly had his moments this season. His two goals in a 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators in January was a particular highlight.

Elsewhere, others have come under the media spotlight. One particular story underlines the fact that Alex Belzile is still chasing his first NHL goal at the age of 31. Scoring isn’t his main job, but that’s not a stat that Belzile would want added to his name as his career enters its 13th season.

Certain players will always be singled out, but the reality is that this is a team game and that Canadiens’ team just hasn’t been good enough.

Regrouping for 2023/24

The NHL draft will naturally play a part for all teams in the offseason. Reports claim that the Habs are aiming at a third first round pick and that could be significant as they look to rebuild their roster.

The avoidance of waivers has also attracted the attention of the media and this is another area that the Canadiens may want to address.

It’s not been a great season, but a few changes to the roster building approach could lead to a more positive 2023.

The Montreal Canadiens will be sellers again come Trade-Deadline day March 3, 2023.  The Canadiens will be looking at improving their odds of landing the top pick in the 2023 NHL Entry draft by trading expiring contracts for draft picks.

All eyes are on Connor Bedard to go number one come draft day.  For the latest odds and get a bonus code , check out bet365 canada bonus code to rank the top pick.

The Canadiens already have two first round picks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. They picked up a second first rounder last season when they dealt Ben Chiarot to Florida. Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is quietly trying to land a third first rounder at this up-coming NHL Draft, as the 2023 draft pool is expected to be very good.

The Canadiens have three players on expiring contracts. Centre Sean Monahan, and forwards Jonathan Drouin, and Evgenii Dadonov. (Paul Byron is also on an expiring contract, but it does not look like he will return any time soon).

Sean Monahan is currently on Long-Term Injured Reserve but he has resumed skating and is on track to return to the roster prior to the trade deadline. The Canadiens haven’t been the same team this season since Monahan went down with an injury. But he’s a much sought after number 2 centre on any team. And with the Canadiens not in a win-now window, Monahan might land the Canadiens another first round pick. The 28 year old centre has 17 points in 25 games this season, but injuries have plagued him the last three seasons.

Jonathan Drouin, the player who never lived up to the expectations when he was acquired from Tampa Bay. Drouin has 12 points in 28 games this season. All assists! He’s still trying to score his first goal this season. Drouin too has spent time on Injured Reserve. And he’s not expected back until after the All-Star break. At most Drouin will attract and mid round draft pick, and the Canadiens will most certainly have to retain half his remaining salary this season.

Evgenii Dadonov , who when was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights, most expected that he would have been dealt prior to the start of the season. But as we approach the trade deadline date, Dadonov is still a Montreal Canadien. Dadonov has never lived up to his $5 million salary. And it seems he’s not attracting any attention from any team. So at best Habs will receive future compensation if they manage to trade him, and retain salary.

Sitting seventh in the Atlantic Division and wading in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference, the Habs are enjoying a pretty good season—comparatively, at least. The team just called up Anthony Richard, who may offer an added boost as the season continues. Throw in an overtime win against Arizona Coyotes, and the year is closing out well for the Habs.

Many fans are waiting with bated breath to see how the rest of the season will pan out. Some are also hedging their bets on the team—literally. As the most popular sport in Quebec, online sports betting markets cover ice hockey extensively. Most of that attention focuses on the NHL, including moneylines, over/unders, props, and futures galore. One of the most interesting new categories is period markets.

Period markets let bettors comb through different odds on each period in the regular season and postseason games. For example, if selecting a totals line for the whole game seems too simple, then dive into total goals-per-period.

With so many variations available to bettors today, which lines are ideal for Habs fans? Let’s dive into the options below.

The Habs Take on the Bruins

January 25, 2023

 Will the Habs beat the Bruins in late January during an Eastern Conference faceoff? It’s a bit too early for oddsmakers to take a side, but the rivalry between both teams means that neither fanbase is likely to budge. If you’re looking to have a bit of fun backing the Habs, then there’s no better regular-season game.

The Bruins sit first in the Atlantic Division, so it might not be the best idea to back the Habs for a moneyline win. However, there are plenty of other entertaining bets. Will Arber Xhekaj find his way into the penalty box each period? And will Cole Caufield find a way to notch a few goals?

 The Sabres Faceoff

March 28, 2023

 Though not nearly as bitter and ingrained as the Habs’ rivalry with the Bruins, the Canadiens will have to battle hard against the Buffalo Sabres if they want to earn a few points in March. The Sabres notched a dominant 7-2 win during their last faceoff in late November… but on October 28, the cards were in the Habs’ favour when they pulled off a 3-2 victory.

This leaves a bit more space for fans to back that moneyline against the Sabres. Another good bet would be to wager on totals per period, as mentioned above. Given how high-scoring both faceoffs have been this season, totals bets will provide a rewarding challenge for bettors.

Cole Caufield Scores Big Time

Looking at specific games might not be every fan’s forte. In this case, you may want to stick to wagering on certain players. After all, if you’re a fan of scoring, then you’re probably keeping your eye on Caufield anytime he’s on the rink.

The more you know about a player, the more insights you have into when and how they traditionally score. This gives you an edge in prop betting when it comes to wagers like scoring.

 Nick Suzuki for the Power Play

Caufield may be the Canadiens’ most prolific scorer this season, but some props focus on power plays. Being able to deliver during a power play is one of the most important elements of NHL action—and the Habs have Nicholas Suzuki to take care of business when the red lights start flashing.

As one of the team’s most dynamic players, just about any wager on Suzuki is interesting enough, but backing Suzuki to tear things up during a power play focuses on his specialty.

 Kirby Dach for the Assist

Aside from goal-scoring and a penchant for power plays, assists are one of the top offensive elements to watch. After all, the goal-scorer tends to take home all the glory, but it’s the playmaker toiling in the center of the rink to set up assists who gets the ball (or puck) rolling.

For this reason, player props on assists are also a great option for Habs fans.

On January 1, 2023, the Montreal Canadiens are heralding in the New Year with a game against the Washington Capitals, marking the start of what is sure to be an action-packed year for ice hockey fans. But it’s not only NHL games that should be on your radar, with plenty of other tournaments where you can see up-and-coming ice hockey stars in action. 

In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the tournaments taking place in Montreal throughout 2023, including both youth and adult competitions. While most are located in and around the city, one is a little further afield in the Ottawa suburb of Richmond. 

If you’re planning on traveling to any of the following tournaments as a player, a parent, or a spectator, be sure to lock in your accommodation as far in advance as possible. You can find a variety of rental properties in Montreal at Rentola, whether you’re after a studio apartment for one or a multi-bedroom home for the entire family. 

When searching, you can focus your results on properties near the tournament stadiums, which are outlined in the descriptions below. Also, take into consideration their access to Montreal’s sights and attractions, such as the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, the leafy walking trails of Parc du Mont-Royal, and the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica. 

jarmoluk, Canva.com 

Tournoi Olympique de Montreal (TOM) 

From January 9 to 23, the Centre Étienne Desmarteau is playing host to the Tournoi Olympique de Montreal, which will see Under 13 Peewees battle it out on the ice. It’s a five-on-five tournament, meaning each team has five skaters on the ice, excluding the goalie. The Tournoi Olympique de Montreal is a great opportunity to see young players in action as they start their rise through the ranks. 

Richmond National Atom Mousquiri Tournament

The Richmond National Atom Mousquiri Tournament is the oldest atom competition in the province, catering to ice skaters aged between 9 and 10 years old. It’s been taking place for more than 50 years and welcomes players from across the country. Richmond lies on the southern outskirts of Ottawa and can be reached in just three hours from Montreal. 

Nomandsoul1, Canva.com 

Montreal Adult Hockey Classic

Both men’s and women’s teams will take to the ice for the annual Montreal Adult Hockey Classic, which is scheduled from 21 to 23 April and 19 to 21 May, 2023. It includes teams from not only Ontario and Quebec but also the United States, offering players a great opportunity to socialize and network. Games will be played at four different rinks – the Arena de Sainte-Julie, the Arena Gilles-Chabot, the Centre Sportif Gaetan-Boucher, and the Colisee Isabelle-Brasseur. 

Montreal Meltdown

Over the last three decades, the Montreal Meltdown has been attracting youth ice hockey teams from across the globe. Division 3 will be the first to hit the ice on May 5, followed by the girls Under 10s on May 12. The tournament finishes with the Division 1 games on the weekend of June 9, 10 and 11, with the event taking place between the St-Raphael Sports Center and the Sportsplexe Pierrefonds.

David Pickup, Canva.com 

CAN/AM Challenge Cup

With one of Montreal’s best stadiums (Sportsplexe Pierrefonds) as its backdrop, the CAN/AM Challenge Cup is another youth tournament that sees cross-border rivalries played out. Its groupings include Under 11s, Under 13s, Under 15s, and Under 18s, making it a really family-friendly occasion. It’s a great opportunity for hockey-loving families to travel to Montreal and soak up the city’s passion for the game.