Sometimes life finds a way — especially when it involves Montreal beating Toronto.
Montrealers are in celebration mode after the Canadiens defied the odds to down the Maple Leafs in Game 7, after the latter — which was in first place in the North Division this season — blew their playoff lead.
Habs fans took to the city’s downtown core and rallied outside the Bell Centre after their team clinched a 3-1 win late Monday night.
“I can’t believe they did it,” said David Laanemetz, a fan who described the game as “amazing.”
“We were on the edge of our seats.”
READ MORE: Call of the Wilde — Montreal Canadiens eliminate Toronto Maple Leafs with 3-1 Game 7 win
The victory may have been in Hogtown, but that didn’t stop jubilant city dwellers from honking, cheering and singing in Montreal.
The festivities came after a surprising end against Toronto, which had a commanding 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series.
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Montreal police declared the festivities outside the Bell Centre illegal around 11:15 p.m. and ended up dispersing the last of celebrators around midnight.
“Several people were festive in the city centre and the SPVM police officers were on the scene to supervise and ensure their safety, but there was no overflow,” said police spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant.
“People left without any problems.”
Aside from celebrations in the city, politicians also lauded the victory on social media. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated his hometown team on their win.
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said the first round kept fans on the edge of their seats. She also reminded Toronto Mayor John Tory of their bet.
“I can’t wait to taste that peameal bacon sandwich,” she wrote on Twitter.
READ MORE: Toronto and Montreal mayors place bet on outcome of Maple Leafs-Canadiens playoff series
The Canadiens will face the Winnipeg Jets in round two of the playoffs this Wednesday, which fans are bracing for with anticipation.
“I’ve never been so happy to go to Winnipeg,” Olivier Wener said.
—With files from Global News’ Dan Spector and The Canadian Press
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