Montreal Canadiens: Playoffs Superstitions

Montreal Canadiens: Playoffs and Superstitions

Let’s talk about playoffs superstitions now that the Montreal Canadiens are about to play Game 1 of the first Round.

It’s that time of year again. The time when hopes are renewed, fans dream big, and not only do businesses gear up for what they hope will be a long, lucrative post-season celebration but schools, offices, and streets become that visual reminder that this is a hockey town through and through.

It’s the time of year when cars begin to sprout Habs flags faster than still-dormant grass can push through lawns that are barely snow-free. The time of year when jackets come off in warmer weather only to reveal a sea of bleu-blanc-rouge jerseys, tee-shirts and hoodies. The time of year when “Go Habs Go” becomes an add-on to any conversation, whether it is a Tweet, a Facebook update, or a phone call. The time when superstitions come out in full force, and Montreal Canadiens fans don’t tempt fate.

Photo: Lissa Albert, 2014

There is a definite buzz one can feel walking the streets, whether it is in the downtown core strewn with signs of Habs support or the streets in my West Island suburb, where this gentleman walks the main artery waving his massive Habs flag, and smiling wide while waving enthusiastically to all who honk. There is always a chorus of car horns. He is constantly waving.

It’s also a time of superstitions. We all know athletes can be incredibly superstitious. Baseball legend Babe Ruth had several, including always stepping on second base when jogging in from right field, and never lending another player his bat. Patrick Roy actually talked to his goalposts (“because they are my friends.”). Wayne Gretzky, among other rituals, put baby powder on his stick, and purposely missed his first shot in warm-ups.

And of course, we’re all familiar with playoff beards. In fact, you know the Stanley Cup Finals are in full swing when every player looks like a throwback to either Lumberjack camps or Neanderthal Man, and you need the name on the back of the jersey to recognize the players.

Montrealers live and breathe hockey throughout the year, but never as intensely as when it’s playoff time. In his first year in office, Mayor Denis Coderre placed bets with mayors of all three cities the Habs faced, and has reignited this city spirit again this year. As with last year’s bets, the winner of the series has the pleasure of seeing his counterpart sport his team’s jersey to a council meeting, as well as his team’s flag in a place of honor at City Hall. This year, Coderre has thrown in a food extra: smoked meat to Ottawa if the Senators win, and Beavertails to Mayor Coderre should the Habs prevail.

Many teams around the league are following suit. Some are eschewing the practice altogether, out of fears it would jinx their chances.

Everyone seems to have superstitions. How about you? What are some of yours? We’d love to hear from you!

But what about fans? We see fans upholding rituals (also known as “traditions”) throughout the year. I have friends whose jerseys have records (“the Habs are 18-0 when I wear my Rocket Richard jersey”) and those who have shrines in which they watch every game (from the poster-plastered walls to the wifi-enabled goal light configured to flash when the Habs score).

And in the spirit of full disclosure, I, too, have my superstitions. I will always say “Habs” before the words “score”, “goal”, and “win”. There’s something about making it clear to the Hockey Gods that it’s the Canadiens about whom I am speaking. I will never even give voice to the possibility of the other team prevailing. Nor will I let anyone around me even speculate about it.

On game days, I blast Annakin Slayd‘s anthems “Montreal Stand Up” and “Rock the Sweater” at least once each during the day leading up to the game.

Everyone seems to have superstitions. How about you? What are some of yours? We’d love to hear from you!

Enjoy “Montreal Stand Up”:

And “Rock The Sweater”

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