The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL) based in Montreal, Quebec. The Montreal Canadiens compete in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference along with Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, and Ottawa Senators. The team is frequently referred to in English and French as the Habs which is derived from their other nickname, Les Habitants. The Montreal Canadiens have a huge rivalry with the Boston Bruins which is considered one of the greatest rivalries in sport history, dating back to the 1950s. They also have a rivalry with the Ottawa Senators which dates back to the first ever NHL game between them and the original Ottawa Senators in 1917.
The Montreal Canadiens play their home matches at the Bell Centre in Montreal, which opened in 1996. During pre-construction the arena was known as the New Montreal Forum but changed its name to the Molson Centre when it opened up until 2002. Prior to this arena they called the Montreal Forum their home for an astounding 70 years. With a capacity of 21,302, The Bell Centre is the largest ice hockey arena in the world. The arena has hosted other sporting events in the past including NBA matches, MMA and Pro Wrestling. There are plenty of concerts held here and is the main venue used for huge entertainment events, including the likes of Tina Turner, Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, Madonna, and The Rolling Stones. Quebec’s very own Celine Dion has performed here the most times with 47 performances since 1996.