In the Canadiens locker room, some players were watching the Alouettes game on television. “By eating my little porridge,” said goalkeeper Samuel Montembeault. In the hours that followed, Habs players would have a chance to cap off a rare perfect day for Montreal sports. The problem? Their opponent, the Boston Bruins, had just won the last 10 meetings between the two teams.

The Canadian was therefore severely neglected. But like Fernandez, the world’s seventh-ranked scorer, and the Alouettes, the Argonauts’ only winners in Toronto this year, the CH stunned the skeptics with an inspired performance.

This narrow 3-2 win was all the more gratifying given that the Bruins are in first place in the Eastern Conference and have one of the best defensive teams in recent National League history.

“Tonight we were at our peak,” said veteran Brendan Gallagher proudly, who was always right in the middle of the action in the emotional games. On Saturday he also managed to bother goalkeeper Jeremy Swayman, who hit him two or three times.

“Can you summarize your conversation for us? » asked a colleague.

“I basically told him he was wrong. He disagreed. By the way, you will find out all the details when I publish my biography in 10 years. »

Gallagher and Montembeault said they were motivated by the energy of the crowd. It was definitely the most attentive, loud and engaged audience of the season. The impressive contingent of Bruins fans forced Canadiens fans to cheer and at times created an atmosphere worthy of a wrestling gala. It was a change from the dozens of non-action games the Habs had played in Montreal since the rebuild began.

We were bored with these very intense games, similar to those in the series. Honestly, it was pleasant.

Hats off to head coach Martin St-Louis for enabling his club to win and not just develop young people. It suits him well. His line changes this week paid off. I know you love seeing Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield together. Me too. However, it must be acknowledged that training has become much more balanced since the breakup. The defensive gaps between the trio were closed. The team game is improving. It is interesting.

Sports fans in Montreal haven’t been treated to anything in a year. The four consecutive victories of their favorites in the last hours allowed them to once again feel the pride, joy and lightness that comes with being on the winning side.

There were no Canadiens fans booing the team after Kaiden Guhle’s game-winning goal at the Bell Center on Saturday night. No Habs fan was hoping for a loss that would increase their chances of picking first in next summer’s draft by perhaps 0.5%.

On Saturday evening they were happy about Montreal’s victory.