History of Montreal Canadiens Outdoor Games

The Montreal Canadiens have been a major part of outdoor games in the NHL, but they've only been in one Winter Classic. However, they have been in two Heritage Classics and a special 100th Anniversary Game. The Canadiens haven't hosted an outdoor game, but you have to believe that it's something that has to be coming soon. The home of the Montreal Alouettes only hosts 23,035 people, so a lack of attendance could be a concern. Nevertheless, let's look at the four games the Canadiens have taken outdoors.

Heritage Classic 2003 - Montreal Canadiens vs. Edmonton Oilers

The first modern outdoor game took place at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta. The Canadiens defeated the Oilers 4-3 in front of 57,167 fans. Richard Zednik opened the scoring for Montreal in the second period before Yanic Perreault increased the lead to 2-0. Perreault scored his second of the game in the third period before Zednik added another for the victory. Jose Theodore had the win in goal.

Heritage Classic 2011 - Montreal Canadiens vs. Calgary Flames

It took eight years for the Heritage Classic to return to the NHL. The Flames hosted the Canadiens at McMahon Stadium in front of 41,022 fans, and they shut out the Canadiens 4-0. It wasn't a good night for the Canadiens, but the wind chill of -21 degrees celsius made for a memorable night nonetheless.

Winter Classic 2016 - Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins

The NHL geared the Winter Classic more towards American teams. The Toronto Maple Leafs were the first Canadian team to play when they visitied Michigan Stadium in 2014, but the next logical matchup was the Canadiens and Bruins. The Bruins hosted the Canadiens at Gilette Stadium, which the Canadiens won 5-1.

David Desharnais opened the scoring in the first period, and then Paul Byron and Brendan Gallagher added to the lead. Max Pacioretty and Paul Byron sealed the 5-1 victory in the third. Mike Condon was the second star with a 27-save performance.