“The sight of the towels always gives me goosebumps,” shared Mike Matheson.
Growing up in Quebec, near Montreal, Matheson witnessed firsthand the electric atmosphere of Canadiens playoff games at the Bell Centre. Fans passionately waving towels and creating deafening noise in support of their team.
Back then, if someone had suggested that Canadiens fans would endure a lengthy period without playoff hockey for a necessary rebuild, Matheson would have been skeptical.
“I don’t think I would have believed it,” he admitted. “Considering the immense passion always surrounding the team, it was hard to imagine fans accepting a rebuild.”
Matheson, now 31, reflected on his return to Montreal as the Canadiens embarked on a significant rebuild, shortly after their unexpected Stanley Cup Final appearance. He was uncertain how fans would react to the anticipated losses.
He was apprehensive about fan tolerance during a rebuilding phase that typically involves considerable losing.
However, on the cusp of the Canadiens` first playoff appearance since initiating the rebuild, Matheson acknowledged the pleasant surprise of fan support from the beginning.
“They had come so close in 2021, and then the team’s performance sharply declined,” he noted. “That’s arguably the toughest time to be a fan, facing a bleak outlook while still investing significantly to watch the team. Despite frequent blowouts, what stood out over the past three years was the fans’ unwavering support, even when we were trailing significantly. They’d erupt in cheers, trying to rally us.”
“It really highlighted the Canadiens` importance to the city and the deep connection fans have with the team.”
Matheson expressed what it means to reciprocate the fans’ loyalty and patience: “Being part of this turnaround and giving fans something to genuinely celebrate feels incredibly rewarding.” He’s aware that this is just the beginning, as Canadiens fans prepare to display their flags and fill the Bell Centre with playoff fervor.
Matheson understands that many fans didn`t anticipate this playoff berth so soon. The emergence of young stars like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Alex Newhook, Kaiden Guhle, and Lane Hutson has ignited hope that this Capitals series marks the start of sustained playoff contention for years to come.
With a promising young core, including future prospects like Ivan Demidov, David Reinbacher, and Jacob Fowler, and Suzuki’s reasonable contract as the highest paid among them, the upcoming game in Washington symbolizes the dawn of a new era for the Canadiens.
The situation is more than just exciting; it`s validating belief in the team`s direction.
Suzuki’s exceptional performance and team-friendly contract offer long-term optimism for fans. They recognize the value of this season`s journey to the playoffs and view the current series as an unexpected bonus, valuable experience for the young team.
Coach Martin St. Louis, also a Montreal native, is pleased to deliver playoff hockey to the fans. “This market’s passion for hockey, especially playoff hockey, is extraordinary. We want to give that to our fans,” he stated. “Growing up here, playoff hockey in spring was always eagerly awaited. We appreciate what this playoff atmosphere means to Montreal.”
However, St. Louis and the team are not content with just reaching the playoffs. He aims for more, instilling belief within the Canadiens. Suzuki confidently stated, “I like our chances against anybody,” even while acknowledging the challenge posed by the top-seeded Capitals.
Tristan Blackwood