Montreal’s home opener at the Bell Centre brought the full ceremony, the full energy and, for a brief stretch, a very awkward turn.
The Canadiens officially kicked off their 2026-2027 home schedule tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes, and the building was packed for the occasion. The opening ceremony had the usual punch, with this year’s team being introduced to a roaring crowd.
Most of the night sounded exactly like a home opener should. Martin St-Louis drew an enormous ovation when he was introduced, a clear sign of how strongly he’s embraced by Canadiens fans. The cheers kept rolling for Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson and Juraj Slafkovsky, who all got loud applause of their own.
Even Ivan Demidov, who is out of the lineup with a lower-body injury, was met with a tremendous reception.
Then came the uncomfortable part.
When Kirby Dach and Chris Kreider were introduced, the crowd’s reaction shifted. Both players were booed by their own fans, and the response was unmistakable.
It was an ugly way to start a new season at home. Dach’s injury history may have made him an easy target in the eyes of some fans, and Kreider has already frustrated Montreal in the past, but the opening night ceremony was hardly the place for that kind of message.
This was supposed to be a celebration of the whole group, a chance to set the tone for the year ahead. Instead, for a few seconds, the Bell Centre atmosphere turned sour.
“Clearly audible boos for Chris Kreider at the Bell Centre.”
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