When Applause Turns Sour: The Night Montreal Canadiens Faced Their Own Fans

It was supposed to be another electrifying night at the Bell Centre, where the Montreal Canadiens—one of hockey’s most storied franchises—hosted the Philadelphia Flyers in a matchup that promised intensity, skill, and the kind of drama only the NHL can deliver. But as the opening period unfolded, the evening took a turn that few could have predicted, transforming a routine hockey game into a revealing spectacle of emotion, vulnerability, and unexpected heroism.

From the very first puck drop, the Canadiens found themselves on the back foot. Within minutes, the Flyers pierced through Montreal’s defense, netting three quick goals and leaving the home crowd in stunned silence. The tension in the arena was palpable; fans who arrived eager for excitement were suddenly confronted with uncertainty, frustration, and a sense of collective unease. The Bell Centre, usually a cauldron of passionate support, became a theater of anxious whispers and hesitant reactions.

Then, something remarkable happened—a moment that would reverberate far beyond the final score. As goaltender Samuel Montembeault struggled to regain his footing after the early barrage, the crowd’s response shifted in a way that was both unmistakable and unsettling. Each routine save he made was met not with encouragement, but with applause that rang out as thinly veiled mockery. The sound echoed through the arena and even carried over the television broadcast, drawing comparisons to infamous moments in Canadiens history.

For Montembeault, the experience was more than just another tough night in net. It was a public reckoning, a challenge to his confidence and character, played out in front of thousands of spectators and countless viewers at home. The so-called “Patrick Roy treatment” was not lost on anyone in attendance; it was a reference loaded with meaning, recalling times when Montreal’s fans turned on their own in moments of disappointment.

But the drama didn’t end on the ice. Inside the Canadiens’ locker room, the emotional toll of the crowd’s reaction was felt deeply—not just by Montembeault, but by his teammates as well. Rookie Zachary Bolduc, witnessing the unfolding spectacle, decided to speak out. In a postgame interview, Bolduc addressed the issue with a calm yet powerful honesty that cut through the tension. He admitted that the sarcastic applause was difficult to hear, even for those not directly involved, and praised Montembeault’s resilience in the face of adversity.

Bolduc’s comments were not an attack on the fans, nor an attempt to stoke further conflict. Instead, they were a reminder of something fundamental: respect. In a city where hockey is more than just a game, where the line between passion and pressure is razor-thin, Bolduc’s defense of his teammate was a call to protect those who wear the jersey—especially when the spotlight burns brightest.

As the game progressed, Montembeault’s performance improved dramatically. He finished with an impressive 38 saves, helping the Canadiens claw back from a 3-0 deficit to a 4-3 lead, and ultimately earning the crowd’s genuine support. The transformation from jeers to cheers was as dramatic as the game itself, highlighting the complex relationship between athletes and their supporters in Montreal.

What happened that night at the Bell Centre was more than just a hockey story. It was a lesson in resilience, loyalty, and the importance of standing up for one another. To understand the full scope of this emotional rollercoaster—and what it means for the Canadiens moving forward—read on. The answers may surprise you, and the lessons may resonate far beyond the rink.

Zachary Bolduc and Samuel Montembeault

Photo credit: All Habs

The Montreal Canadiens delivered an emotional game at the Bell Centre against the Philadelphia Flyers.

A night where Samuel Montembeault, Zachary Bolduc, and the entire team experienced major highs and lows in an atmosphere that shifted several times throughout the evening.

The Habs were hit early with a rough start.

Three goals allowed right out of the gate…

A crowd that was clearly uneasy, quiet, unsure how to react.

Then came a moment that sparked reactions all over Quebec.

Samuel Montembeault Humiliated by Canadiens Fans

As Montembeault made routine saves following the early goals, part of the crowd began to applaud in a way that sounded more like mockery than support.

The gesture was clearly heard in the arena – and even on television.

“The Bell Centre is giving Montembeault the Patrick Roy treatment…”

– HFTV

And it didn’t sit well in the locker room…

Zachary Bolduc didn’t hesitate to share his opinion after the game.

He calmly said what many were probably thinking but didn’t dare to say out loud.

“I didn’t like hearing the fans applaud Samuel in mockery.”

“When I realized they were applauding after he made a save… it wasn’t something fun to see, even when you’re not the one involved,” said Bolduc.

“He showed character and great mental strength. He helped us throughout the game,” he added in praise.

– Zachary Bolduc via TVA sports

I loved seeing him stand up for Monty.

His response wasn’t aimed at all the fans, and it didn’t seek to create conflict.

He simply pointed out something deeper.

Respect.

Montembeault had a very unusual game. He looked shaky at first, but I think he completely turned things around afterward.

He finished with 38 saves and helped the Canadiens come back from 3-0 to 4-3.

The crowd went from sighs to genuine encouragement.

Monty! Monty! Monty! chants eventually poured down from the stands.

I think it shows just how passionate – but also demanding – Montreal can be, and I believe Bolduc’s reaction brings back something important: you have to protect your teammates.