Chronically underperforming forward Scott Gomez is providing for one of the more scintillating sagas that are circulating. Gomez, who has been plagued by injuries, scored only two goals last season after going more than a calendar year without scoring. This year, with the permission of the NHL’s new collective bargaining agreement, Habs’ brass have told Gomez he needn’t bother showing up. There likely won’t be any argument: he excels at not showing up.

Last season’s surprise star Erik Cole anchored the Canadiens’ top line, which alone accounted for 40.6 percent of the team’s scoring. Cole has said he is considering early retirement, this with three seasons left on his contract… At the other end of the self-imposed drama spectrum is P.K. Subban. The gregarious Subban, at the heart of Montreal’s young but potentially excellent defensive corps, is the lone contract holdout as the team goes into training camp this week. He wants a kazillion dollars and keys to the locker room for all eternity. He’s 23.

Veteran defenceman Andrei Markov’s story has been more of an epic tale of woe having spent most of the last two years in rehab following consecutive reconstructive knee surgeries. Somewhat understandably, somewhat hilariously, Markov recently told NHL.com that “I don’t want to talk about my knee.” Funny, ’cause that’s all anyone’s going to talk about the first time someone takes Markov heavily into the boards.

And also back in action is Canadiens captain Brian Gionta, who missed 51 games last season with torn biceps and hasn’t played in more than a year, and whose larger-than-height presence (he’s 5’7”) has been sorely missed. Though probably more sorely for him.

But enough about them, the real hockey story in Montreal has always been the club’s unfailingly, outspokenly loyal fans. In light of the recent lockout, the Canadiens organization says they intend to show their appreciation for the perpetual unconditional love with as-yet-unannounced goodwill gestures. In the meantime, they’re proceeding with a number of so-called “Hockey is Back!” initiatives this week.

On January 17, fans are invited to watch the team’s Red vs. White scrimmage at the Bell Centre, for free. On January 19, the first day of the new hockey season, Montreal will face arch rivals the Toronto Maple Leafs. The morning skates for both teams will be open to the public, with the Habs practising at 10:30 a.m., and the Leafs warming up at 11:30 a.m. And in further good news, all are invited to partake in a two-day sale, January 17 and 19, at the Habs Zone boutique in the Bell Centre – all Habs merch is 50% off.

What’s good news for Habs fans – who have never been afraid to show their love with money – is also good news for the many downtown restaurants which cater to hungry Habs fans, and also the many other popular game-watching destinations for which Montreal is renowned. And while the shorter season has doubtless been painful for many up ’til now, the 48-game season promises an intensity that wouldn’t otherwise be seen at this time of the year – the excitement across the city is already palpable as the lockout moves at light speed from forgiven to forgotten. Which brings us to tickets… The Canadiens have sold out every single game since 2004. ’Nuff said. (Cough- scalpers – cough)

And finally, for those who love their technology, the Canadiens – who can be followed/tweeted here – are offering loads of iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry apps, Habs browsers and toolbars, and a bunch of other cool and fun geeky stuff on their website. So go (to the ) Habs (website) go!

The post GAME ON HABS: PREVIEW OF THE 2013 MONTREAL CANADIENS appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Let’s just get right to the point: the Montreal Canadiens‘ 2010-2011 hockey season has begun. If you live in Montreal, you know this already. If you’re visiting the city, we’ve put together a quick cheat sheet to help get you caught up…

The Habs are one of the cornerstones of Montreal and have been for over 100 years. They are the longest continuously operating professional ice hockey team (not to mention one of North America’s oldest sports franchises) and have won more Stanley Cups than anyone else. As such, there’s no shortage of resources to help you get all the way into the Bleu-Blanc-et-Rouge. Given this fact (not to mention a goaltending situation that is better left undiscussed at this point), let’s just skip right to the bullet points:

Montreal Canadiens History: This comprehensive and interactive display of the team’s history contains video, text and all sorts of inside stuff. It’s pretty freakin’ cool.

Habs Inside/Out: This is the definitive resource for all Habs fans. “Absolutely everything about the Montreal Canadiens” is the blog’s tagline and it lives up to it. It boasts an incredibly active online community and its Puckcast is definitely worth checking out.

Habs Hub: In an effort to compete with Habs Inside/Out, CTV Montreal has ramped up their coverage and added some new bloggers.

Tickets : As you can see if you click that link, everything is pretty much sold out already. You can put yourself on the waiting list but here’s the hot tip: on the 15th of every month they release a small batch of tickets for the following month through the website. Scalpers are also always an option but you’re rolling the dice there and things will definitely get pricey.

Where to Watch the Game : My Montreal Buzz colleague Meg put together this list- it’s got the perfect place for every possible hockey fan. Check it.

Twitter: As the HabsTweetup proves, there are Twitter-addicted Habs fans everywhere.You (and over 70,000 other people) can also follow the teamor individual players like Mike Cammalleri (@MCammalleri13), though anyone who has ever heard an athlete being interviewed knows you won’t get much dirt out of them. Or maybe you just need a Canadiens background for your own account.

Text to pick Game MVPs : The Habs are the first NHL team to allow fans to pick the Three Stars of the game, via cell phone or internet. And yes, they’ve already thought of how to prevent you having “your friend’s mom” win in a landslide. And yes, of course, there’s a Habs App.

Habs in 3D: One of the two NHL games being broadcast in 3D this year features a classic Montreal vs. Toronto game. Now, have I found a bar (or even a friend) that has a 3D TV? Not even close, but it’s still pretty cool and I’ll keep looking…

The post HOCKEY: HABS 101 appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.