About the Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens Rivalry

By Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: 20 December 2023

Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief

Blake Roberts is the founder of Betting.US and is currently heading the creative team as Editor in Chief. Born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Blake is a great sports fan, with football and basketball being his favorite. He’s our trusted voice for all betting-related matters.

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Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens

• History & Previous Meetings
• Boston Bruins Memorable Moments
• Boston Bruins Recent Form and Season
• Montreal Canadiens Memorable Moments
• Montreal Canadiens Recent Form and Season

Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens share the greatest rivalry in the National Hockey League (NHL) history. The two franchises have plied their trade in the same division of the NHL. The long-standing rivalry dates back to 1924, when the two sides faced off for the first time.

Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens have formed a deeply rooted rivalry as both franchises are a part of the Original Six. Their geographical location is relatively close, and the franchises share a rich history of meeting in the Stanley Cup Playoff. Over the years, the franchises have produced legendary playoff matchups, with the intensity of these matches adding to the rivalry.

The dominance of both franchises has shifted back and forth as the rivalry grew. But despite the fierce competition and on-ice altercations, there is a deep-seated mutual respect between the players of both franchises. However, in recent years, the rivalry has remained weaker than in the formative years.

History & Previous Meetings

The rivalry between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens began on December 18, 1924. The franchises have vastly played in the same division, except in the 1970s when the Boston Bruins featured in the Adams Division and the Montreal Canadiens featured in the Norris Division.

In the Covid-19 hit 2020-21 season, the franchises were temporarily moved to different divisions as the Montreal Canadiens featured in an All-Canadian North Division while the Boston Bruins played in the Atlantic-Metro Hybrid East Division. As a result, it was the first season where the arch-rivals did not face off each other in an entire season.

Boston Bruins Memorable Moments

Boston Bruins have registered many memorable moments against their arch-rivals filled with intense battles. One such battle took place in the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Boston won the decisive Game 7 in overtime when Nathan Horton delivered the winning goal to seal the series. It was a significant victory for Boston as it helped them propel the Bruins to their Stanley Cup championship that year.

The 1971 Stanley Cup Playoffs, quarterfinals, is etched in the fans’ minds for producing one of the most famous goals in NHL history. Bobby Orr netted the iconic flying goal in the overtime of Game 4 to win the series for Boston and register the moment as one of the most celebrated in NHL history.

Boston solidified their stature in the 2008-09 season by securing a memorable 3-1 win over the Canadiens. The game featured a goaltending duel between Carey Price of Montreal and Tim Thomas of Boston. It was a thrilling moment for many, including fans playing at Massachusetts online sportsbooks.

In the 2010-11 season, Boston edged Montreal 8-6 in a close contest that displayed the intensity and emotion of the rivalry. The Boston franchise redeemed themselves in the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs, First Round, with a thrilling 4-3 win over their arch-rivals.

Boston Bruins Recent Form and Season

Boston Bruins lead the Atlantic Division in the NHL 2023-23 season. They have secured two wins in as many matches to be placed ahead of the Detroit Red Wings in the points table.

Boston entered their 100th season in the NHL as the defending champions of the Presidents’ Trophy. They finished their previous season with a 65-12-15 record for most points in the NHL.

The franchise started the season without the services of their long-time players Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, who retired during the off-season. Brad Marchand is leading the Boston Bruins in the ongoing season as the 27th captain of the franchise.

Montreal Canadiens Memorable Moments

The Montreal Canadiens have registered significant wins over the Boston Bruins in the long-lasting rivalry. Their most famous victories started with their triumph over Boston in the 1971 Stanley Cup Playoffs Quarter-Finals. The intense battle saw Jean Beliveau net the game-winning goal in double-overtime. Later, in the 1979 Stanley Cup Semi-Finals, Montreal eliminated Boston to become eventual champions.

Montreal defeated the Bruins in a seven-game thriller 3-1 in the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Second Round, to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Montreal goaltender Carey Price played an instrumental role in Game 7 to take Montreal to victory.

In 2008, the Canadiens clinched a thumping 6-1 win over the Bruins. This was a significant match-up as it resulted in several fights and confrontations, displaying the physicality of the rivalry.

In 2016, Montreal saw off Boston 5-1 in the 2016 Winter Classic to win the high-profile event, which added to the rivalry’s lore.

Montreal Canadiens Recent Form and Season

Montreal Canadiens are featuring in the 115th season of the NHL since its establishment in 1909. The franchise has shown early signs of struggle as they have registered one win, a loss, and an overtime loss in the ongoing season. Nevertheless, their fans eagerly await their matches at the best NHL betting sites.