It’s really no surprise that Game 7 between the Canadiens and Bruins will be played in front of a huge crowd. It’d be a lot more surprising if the game didn’t post a capacity crowd. Now, what might catch your attention is the fact Game 7 – a game being played in Boston – has sold out in Montreal.
The Canadiens decided to open up the Bell Centre for Game 7, selling tickets for $10 a piece with a portion of the proceeds going to the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation. As of 6pm on Tuesday, the Bell Centre sold out with a crowd of 20,000 fans expected. Those attending will enjoy a pre-game rally and the same pre-game show they’ve seen before Canadiens games actually taking place in the arena.
The organization currently has a sellout streak of 406 consecutive games dating back to January 8th, 2004. Game 7 against Boston won’t be added to that total, but the feat of selling out for a game not even being played in the same arena or city is pretty impressive.
This story is also a perfect look at the disparity in the NHL. Many teams struggle to fill their arena even 75% of the way full when their team is actually in the building. Meanwhile, the Canadiens are pulling an enormous crowd (granted, for $10 a head) to watch the team on the jumbotron.
(H/T Montreal Gazette)