Go Habs Go!
I'm a die-hard fan of the Canadiens who flew in from the States solely to cross "see a Habs game in Montreal" off my bucket list. I wasn't disappointed.
Everything about this building gives you a sense of the legacy that the team has, and of the history of hockey in Quebec. That was clear enough when I was just able to stand outside the building six years ago when I was last in Montreal.
The game experience, though, takes it to a whole different level.
One thing that struck me is that unlike sports events in the States, the people at the game seemed invested. Fans are fans, and they're not just there to get drunk with friends or mack on their lover. People's eyes were focused on the puck like laser beams. The cheers and gasps don't come from pockets of the crowd, but from virtually everyone there.
Great experience all around. Even from the nosebleeds the sight lines are unobstructed.
The only downside is that concessions are expensive. Like, really expensive. Like, a guy near me paid $20 for two beers.