Two NHL franchises from opposite ends of hockey history collide on any given matchup night. The Montreal Canadiens bring over a century of legacy and championships to the ice, while the Vegas Golden Knights represent the newer breed of expansion success, making their head-to-head encounters a clash of eras rather than merely a standings battle.

4 related posts

Head-to-Head Games: Last 20 tracked · Canadiens Recent Win: 4-1 on Nov 28, 2025 · Upcoming Game: Jan 28, 2026 at Bell Centre · Golden Knights Arena: T-Mobile Arena · Montembeault Saves: 30 in latest win

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • All-time record stands at 10-10-1 across 21 total meetings (Champs or Chumps)
  • Canadiens claimed their most recent matchup 4-1 on November 28, 2025 (Elite Prospects)
  • Their only playoff collision came in the 2021 Conference Finals (Champs or Chumps)
2What’s unclear
  • Whether the January 28, 2026 game has been played yet remains to be seen
  • Exact goaltending matchups for upcoming meetings have not been announced
  • Detailed advanced statistics (Corsi, Fenwick) for specific head-to-head games are limited in public records
3Timeline signal
  • November 28, 2025: Canadiens’ 4-1 victory at T-Mobile Arena
  • January 27, 2026: Most recent scheduled meeting between teams
  • January 28, 2026: Next scheduled game at Bell Centre
4What’s next
  • The Canadiens return home to Bell Centre for the January 28 matchup (NHL.com)
  • Montreal enters with a 28-17-7 record as of late January 2026 (NHL.com)
  • Golden Knights hold a 25-14-12 record in that same window (NHL.com)

Key facts for the Canadiens-Golden Knights matchup show a tied all-time series with playoff history factored in.

Label Value
Teams Montreal Canadiens vs Vegas Golden Knights
Latest Result Canadiens 4-1 Golden Knights (Nov 28, 2025)
Next Game Jan 28, 2026 at Bell Centre
H2H Source Elite Prospects last 20 games
Canadiens Cups Multiple dynasties including 5 in row

Sam Montembeault turned aside 30 shots in the Canadiens’ 4-1 victory at T-Mobile Arena, anchoring Montreal’s third straight win in the series.

— NHL.com game recap, November 28, 2025

Why are they called the Habs?

The nickname “Habs” is shorthand for “Habitants,” a reference to the French-Canadian settlers who populated Quebec for centuries. The Montreal Canadiens adopted this moniker early in their history as a way to connect with their Quebec roots and the predominantly French-speaking fanbase that rallied behind the team from its founding in 1909.

Origin of the nickname

The abbreviation “Habs” emerged organically from fan culture and media coverage. Players and coaches would frequently refer to the team simply as “les Habitants,” which English speakers shortened to “Habs” over time. This nickname has become so entrenched that it now appears on merchandise, social media handles, and fan forums worldwide.

Historical context

The Canadiens franchise predates the NHL itself, having been one of the founding members when the league launched in 1917. This makes Montreal one of professional hockey’s oldest institutions, and the Habs nickname serves as a constant reminder of the team’s deep roots in French-Canadian culture.

The upshot

The Habs nickname connects modern players like Cole Caufield to over a century of Quebec hockey heritage, reinforcing Montreal’s identity as a franchise rooted in cultural tradition.

Did Montreal have two NHL teams?

Montreal has indeed hosted multiple NHL franchises throughout history, though only the Canadiens remain active today. The Montreal Maroons represented the city’s English-speaking hockey community from 1924 to 1938, winning two Stanley Cups before the franchise folded.

Past franchises

Beyond the Canadiens and Maroons, Montreal briefly supported other professional teams that didn’t survive. The Montreal Wanderers existed during the league’s early years, capturing multiple championships before a tragic fire destroyed their arena in 1918. These teams reflected Montreal’s position as a hockey capital with enough passionate fans to support multiple franchises.

Current status

Today, the Canadiens stand alone as Montreal’s NHL representative, playing out of the Bell Centre in downtown Montreal. The team remains one of the league’s most valuable franchises, commanding devoted support from French and English-speaking fans alike.

The Canadiens’ singular presence in Montreal today reflects how the city’s hockey landscape shifted dramatically after the Maroons folded in 1938.

— Hockey historians’ analysis of Montreal’s NHL history

Who is the Montreal Canadiens biggest rival?

The Boston Bruins represent the Canadiens’ most fierce and storied rival, a relationship built over decades of heated playoff battles and regular-season intensity. This matchup consistently ranks among the most-watched NHL series, drawing attention from coast to coast.

Bruins rivalry

The Canadiens-Bruins rivalry dates to the 1920s and includes some of hockey’s most memorable moments. From Maurice Richard’s legendary performances to modern-day battles between goaltenders, this series has produced countless highlights. The geographic proximity of the two cities—separated by roughly five hours of driving—ensures plenty of cross-border fan attendance at each other’s arenas.

Other key opponents

While the Bruins command primary attention, the Canadiens maintain competitive rivalries with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Quebec Nordiques’ legacy lives on in matchups against the Colorado Avalanche. The Toronto rivalry carries cultural significance for English and French Canada, while the Avalanche connection recalls Quebec’s brief NHL expansion era.

Why this matters

Facing the Golden Knights represents something different—a clash between hockey’s storied past and its newest major-market success story.

Are the Habs the oldest NHL team?

The Montreal Canadiens hold the distinction of being the oldest franchise in NHL history, predating even the league itself. Founded in 1909, the team entered the NHL when the league formed in 1917, making Montreal the sole continuous franchise from the league’s founding era.

Original Six

The Canadiens were one of the “Original Six” teams that dominated NHL hockey from the 1940s through the 1967 expansion. These teams—Montreal, Toronto, Boston, Detroit, Chicago, and New York—defined an era of professional hockey with their legendary players and heated rivalries. The Canadiens’ presence among this elite group underscores their historical significance.

Founding date

The Canadiens trace their roots to November 26, 1909, when the franchise was established. This makes Montreal older than the NHL itself, which didn’t form until December 1917. Few professional sports franchises in North America can claim such longevity and continuous operation.

Who won 5 Stanley Cups in a row?

The Montreal Canadiens accomplished the remarkable feat of winning five consecutive Stanley Cups from 1956 through 1960, a streak that remains unmatched in NHL history. This dynasty was built around legendary coach Toe Blake and superstars including Maurice Richard and goaltender Jacques Plante.

Montreal dynasty

The 1950s Canadiens represented one of hockey’s greatest teams, combining skilled forwards, sturdy defensemen, and revolutionary goaltending. Plante’s adoption of the goaltender mask during this era changed the position forever, while Richard’s scoring prowess made him an icon both on and off the ice.

1956-1960 streak

During that five-year run, the Canadiens posted a cumulative playoff record that demonstrated their dominance. The team won 10 total Stanley Cups between 1946 and 1960, establishing Montreal as the NHL’s dominant franchise during the Original Six era. That 1956-1960 stretch represented the peak of their achievements.

The paradox

The Golden Knights, despite being formed in 2017, have already reached a Stanley Cup Final—showing how modern expansion teams can compete faster than traditional rebuild timelines.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Three recent matchups illustrate how evenly these teams have competed, with home teams claiming victories across different seasons.

Date Winner Score Venue
November 28, 2025 Canadiens 4-1 T-Mobile Arena
November 24, 2024 Golden Knights 6-2 T-Mobile Arena
December 31, 2024 Canadiens 3-2 Bell Centre
October 31, 2023 Golden Knights 3-2 (SO) T-Mobile Arena
June 25, 2021 Canadiens 3-2 (OT) T-Mobile Arena (Conference Finals)

The pattern shows home teams winning most recent games, though the Canadiens claimed a rare road victory on November 28, 2025.

Season Records and Current Standing

Both teams entered late January 2026 in playoff position, with the Canadiens holding a stronger record despite the Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup Finals appearance in their inaugural season.

Team Record (as of Jan 27, 2026) Conference Source
Montreal Canadiens 28-17-7 Eastern NHL.com
Vegas Golden Knights 25-14-12 Western NHL.com

The Canadiens’ superior record reflects their strong 2025-26 campaign, positioning them well for a potential playoff run.

Key Players to Watch

The January 27, 2026 matchup featured several notable performers on both sides, with Pavel Dorofeyev scoring twice for Vegas and Cole Caufield finding the net for Montreal. The Golden Knights’ projected lineup included Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Mitch Marner, Tomas Hertl, and Ivan Barbashev—a formidable group that has carried Vegas throughout the season.

What to watch

With the January 28, 2026 game at Bell Centre, Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault’s performance could prove decisive after his 30-save effort in the previous meeting.

Timeline of Recent Matchups

Three years of competition between these franchises show alternating success, with momentum swinging between the teams across multiple seasons.

  • November 28, 2025: Canadiens defeat Golden Knights 4-1 at T-Mobile Arena
  • December 31, 2024: Canadiens top Golden Knights 3-2 at Bell Centre
  • November 24, 2024: Golden Knights defeat Canadiens 6-2 at T-Mobile Arena
  • October 31, 2023: Golden Knights win 3-2 in shootout at T-Mobile Arena
  • June 25, 2021: Canadiens defeat Golden Knights 3-2 in overtime (Conference Finals)

The overall series stands at a perfect 10-10-1, reflecting how evenly matched these franchises have been across all competitions.

Related reading: Everton F.C. vs Manchester United F.C. Standings – Premier League H2H Record · Do the Oilers Play Tonight? Next Game Schedule, TV & Time

Additional sources

youtube.com, m.aiscore.com, youtube.com, statmuse.com, seatgeek.com, mcubed.net, nhl.com, statmuse.com, cbssports.com

The Golden Knights carry franchise history since 2017 that saw them win the Stanley Cup in 2023 into their January 28 showdown with the Canadiens at Bell Centre.

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Frequently asked questions

Why are they called the Habs?

“Habs” is short for “Habitants,” referencing French-Canadian settlers in Quebec. The nickname emerged from fans calling the team “les Habitants,” which English speakers shortened over time.

Who is the Montreal Canadiens biggest rival?

The Boston Bruins represent Montreal’s primary rival, with a rivalry dating back to the 1920s that includes numerous playoff battles and memorable moments.

Did Montreal have two NHL teams?

Yes. The Montreal Maroons existed from 1924 to 1938, winning two Stanley Cups before folding. The Canadiens remain the city’s sole NHL team today.

Are the Habs the oldest NHL team?

Yes. Founded in 1909, the Canadiens are the oldest NHL franchise and predate the league itself by eight years.

What were the Montreal Canadiens called before?

The Canadiens have always been called by some variation of their current name since their 1909 founding, originally representing French-Canadian “Habitants” of Quebec.

Who won 5 Stanley Cups in a row?

The Montreal Canadiens won five consecutive Stanley Cups from 1956 through 1960 under coach Toe Blake, featuring stars Maurice Richard and Jacques Plante.

The matchup at Bell Centre

When the Canadiens and Golden Knights collide at the Bell Centre on January 28, 2026, viewers will witness more than just two teams competing for standings points. The Canadiens carry over a century of hockey tradition, while the Golden Knights embody the NHL’s expansion-era ambition. For Montreal fans, every victory against Vegas reinforces that championship pedigree transcends team age—and for Golden Knights supporters, each win proves that modern franchises can build contenders faster than traditional timelines suggest.

The 10-10-1 all-time series record ensures this rivalry carries genuine competitive tension rather than one-sided dominance. Whether Montembeault stands tall in net or the Golden Knights’ star-studded offense breaks through, the January 28 matchup promises to deliver the kind of tightly contested hockey that makes this series worth following.