Fan Focus | My First Habs Game | Montreal Canadiens, Habs, Bell Centre, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ryan Poehling, Charlie Lindgren

ROCKET SPORTS MEDIA — As the Montreal Canadiens find their schedule on a brief pause, it provided an opportunity to reminisce about my first visit to the Bell Centre. It occurred about two-and-a-half years ago but the memories are still fresh in my mind.

Pre-Game

I chose to make a 10-day trip from my home in Saskatchewan to Montreal in Spring 2019 with no other pre-planning than to see a Canadiens game at the Bell Centre. It was still chilly in Montreal when I arrived as I was treated to an April snowfall.

I spent the first day getting acclimatized to my surroundings strolling through the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, enjoying the Scandinave Spa, taste-testing several  pubs, and having a delicious meal at the Vieux-Port Steakhouse.

It was the night of April 6, 2019 as I made my way on foot down Ste. Catherine Street to the Bell Centre, a brisk 20-minute walk through downtown. I was looking forward to seeing the Canadiens close out the season by hosting the playoff-bound Toronto Maple Leafs.  Filled with excitement, I entered the building 30 minutes before puck drop so that I could take in the atmosphere and explore the arena.

The First 60

As I took my seat, I looked up at the Stanley Cup banners in the rafters. It was a Saturday night contest between the Leafs and Habs with Hockey Night in Canada in the building. It was a special night as it was the final game in the broadcast booth for Bob Cole.

As soon as the puck dropped, I was immediately invested in the game. The Canadiens did not start well with the Maple Leafs dominating the first half of the opening frame to take a 2-0 lead. But Ryan Poehling, playing on the fourth line scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game.

Poehling’s first goal seemed to spark the Canadiens, but for good measure he scored his second goal early in the next period. In fact, the Canadiens scored three times in the middle frame with the Maple Leafs replying twice.

It had been a game that went back and forth, with non-stop action on both sides. The two historic rivals entered the third period tied at four goals each.

Kasperi Kapanen put the Leafs ahead midway through the third but amazingly, Poehling scored his third goal of the game — his first hat trick in the NHL — to send the final game of the regular season to overtime.

Enjoying A Home Win

Though overshadowed by Poehling’s accomplishments in regulation, Charlie Lindgren played a superb game making 40 saves in regulation and another four huge stops in overtime. But both Lindgren and Poehling saved their best for the shootout.

Lindgren stopped Mitch Marner, John Tavares and Kapanen while Poehling added the game-deciding goal to his hat trick for the evening. The two young players delivered a 6-5 shoot-out win for the Canadiens and sent fans into the streets happy. I felt the energy of the crowd as I departed the Bell Centre.

To commemorate the experience, I recently purchased a number 25 Canadiens home sweater with Poehling on the nameplate. I often watch the game highlights from April 6, 2019 to relive that amazing trip.

I haven’t forgotten the feeling when I walked into the Bell Centre. All of the sights and sounds of my first Canadiens game will hold a special place in my heart forever.

By Cole Jurzyniec, Staff Writer
All Habs Hockey Magazine
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