Why are the Canadiens struggling to win games at the Bell Centre during the playoffs? That’s the question the panel tries to answer on this Hockey Inside/Out Show bonus episode as The Gazette’s Stu Cowan is joined by former Canadiens teammates and 1986 Stanley Cup champions Rick Green and Chris Nilan. Heading into the Eastern Conference final against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Canadiens had a 2-4 record at the Bell Centre in the playoffs, but they were 6-2 on the road — including Game 7
road wins against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round and the Buffalo Sabres in the second round. Are the Canadiens — the youngest team in the playoffs — overwhelmed by the atmosphere at the Bell Centre? Nilan and Green talk about that possibility and also share what it was like to see their former teammate and good friend Larry Robinson carry the famous torch into the Bell Centre ahead of Game 6 against the Sabres, which the Canadiens ended up losing 8-3. We
will be back with our weekly Hockey Inside/Out Show after the first two games of the Eastern Conference final in Carolina. In the meantime, if you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to the Hockey Inside/Out YouTube channel. The Hockey Inside/Out Show is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Canadiens, Bell Centre, Carolina Hurricanes, Eastern Conference final, Hockey Inside/Out, Stu Cowan, Rick Green, Chris Nilan, Larry Robinson, Tampa Bay Lightning, Buffalo Sabres, playoffs record
Bell Centre curse? Idk.
They were 6-2 on the road so it’s gotta be the building or something with the ice. Also that 8-3 game after Larry Robinson lit the torch… seems kinda unlucky timing? Like maybe the hype jinxed them.
Wait so the question is the atmosphere at Bell Centre is overwhelming but they won on the road in Game 7? That makes no sense to me lol. I thought Hurricanes were the ones with home ice advantage? Maybe it’s more like the Canadiens just can’t handle pressure in general.
Rick Green and Chris Nilan talking about it like they’re detectives, but the real issue is the Canadiens keep choking at home. That torch thing with Larry Robinson before Game 6 felt like a distraction, like everyone’s watching the ceremony instead of hockey. Also they’re the youngest team so maybe they get intimidated by their own fans?? I dunno, I just know 2-4 at home is rough.