Montreal Fans Ink Their Passion as Canadiens Advance to Eastern Final

Jordan Tierney already carried personal symbols—his son’s name, a cat’s paw, and a Marvel superhero—on his skin. Yet something was missing.

Two hours before Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final, Tierney joined a queue outside the Bell Centre and received a free Montreal Canadiens logo tattoo on his right forearm.

“It’s my city’s team, and that’s how I feel right now,” Tierney said. “I’m really riding this wave.”

Tierney is far from alone.

Chris Saliba of Adrenaline Tattoos reports that the shop has seen between 15 and 27 fans inked daily since the playoffs began. That averages to around 500 fans sporting a new Habs logo.

“It’s a gift from the Habs and (Adrenaline Tattoos), especially for those who might not have the means to get a tattoo,” Saliba said. “I don’t have one myself, but I’ll get one once they win the Cup.”

That dream extends beyond Montreal to all of Canada.

The Canadiens were the last Canadian team to lift the Stanley Cup, defeating the Los Angeles Kings in 1993. Since then, eight teams have reached the final—including Montreal in 2021—but none have captured the trophy.

Perhaps this year will be different. If so, it would be fitting for a city where hockey is almost a religion.

In the downtown core, the Bleu, Blanc et Rouge reigns. Storefronts flaunt signs featuring goalie Jakub Dovíček’s name, while most passersby wear Habs jerseys or apparel in the team’s colors.

“It reminds me of being 12 in 1993,” Tierney reflected. “They’re playing well, and this year I’m fully invested. I don’t usually follow the regular season, but the playoffs capture me. I haven’t missed a single game this year.”

Montreal advanced to the conference final by defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres. They entered Game 4 trailing the Carolina Hurricanes 2–1 in a best‑of‑seven series. Regardless of the outcome, Tierney remains hopeful for a triumphant finish.

“Let’s beat Carolina and then carry that momentum forward,” he said. “I’m realistic—whether we win or lose, the team continues to grow stronger every season.”

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