Guide to the Playoffs: Montreal Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs have left their fans without a rooting interest past the middle of April for the 6th Spring in a row. The league kicked in one more Spring possibly as part of some sort of promotion. Anyway, we here at PPP Amalgamated Heavy Industries, Kitten Ranch, Pug Manufacturing, and Phantasy Sports Conglomerate want nothing more than to help Leafs fans in their time of need as they struggle to find a team to support.

You know that feeling you get when you're about to vomit?  Your mouth starts to salivate and your stomach turns to knots?  That's pretty much how I feel whenever I think about Les Canadiens de Montréal.  I wouldn't call them a Mickey Mouse organization, but they did draft Louis Leblanc in the first round in 2009.  If you're this far down on the list of teams to root for, you're probably just indecisive.  But we'll make a go of it anyways.

The Case Against Montreal

I shouldn't even need to explain this, but here we go... 1) Public safety: less bandwagon Habs fans makes for fewer rioters after every win (or loss...really any occasion).  Montreal is Toronto's insecure little brother to the east.  We have to look out for them.  2) Because every person in one of those Toronto Star or Nat Post articles about Leaf fans jumping on the Habs train last year was a douche.  Don't be a douche.  3) Because no Habs fan would ever, ever, ever root for the Leafs if their roles were reversed (see: 2011-2012 playoffs).  4) Because Habs stank never washes off.  5) Because you have self-respect.

The Case For Montreal

Not applicable.  In fact, if we find out you are cheering for Montreal, we will ban you.  Although beating Boston in round one before being swept in round two would give the Leafs a better draft pick.

The Sales Pitch

One major reason Leafs fans should hop on the Habs bandwagon is national pride.

With just two Canadian teams in the playoffs, nothing would make what's left of Gary Bettman's hair fall out more than seeing Canadian teams in/win the Cup Final.

A second reason is to support the GTA kids. Both Mike Cammalleri and P.K. Subban are from the Toronto area, so Leafs should support the hometown boys.

Yes you follow the lead of Don Cherry and get on Subban's case, but you all know if he was in Blue and White, you would be cheering him on.

- Kevin, Habs Eyes On The Prize

A noble effort but Cammalleri is a traitor. Let's try another one:

There is no good reason for Leafs fans to cheer for the Habs.  Unless you need to get laid.

- Bruce Peter, Puck Worlds

Now that's a bit more compelling

Nope, no Habs fans here...

Will the Montreal Canadiens beat the Boston Bruins?