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Montreal Sports Teams Offer Encouragement for Future

by Cult MTL

Here’s a look at what the future holds for the Montreal Canadiens and CF Montreal.

The city of Montreal is one of the biggest sports markets in North America, with teams competing in the National Hockey League (NHL) and Major League Soccer (MLS). Montreal fans have had a mixed year so far with their teams, but they have much to be excited about in the future.

Here is a look at what the future holds for the Montreal Canadiens and CF Montreal in their respective sports.

Canadiens Off to Slow Start In NHL

The Montreal Canadiens have won four of their opening 12 games in the NHL which means they are trailing many of their rivals in the Eastern Conference in the early stages of the 2024/25 campaign.

Martin St. Louis’ team finished ninth last season in the Eastern Conference, and although they would have liked to have gotten off to a better start, there are enough encouraging signs to suggest they are on the right track.

The Canadiens recorded back-to-back victories over the St Louis Blues (5-2) and Philadelphia Flyers (4-3) in late October. St. Louis will be hoping his side can put a longer winning run together which will help his side climb the standings.

Montreal has been much stronger at home so far this season. They are proving to be a tough team to beat at Centre Bell. If they are to secure a playoff spot in the latest campaign, they will need that strong home form to continue.

There is plenty of time left in the regular season for Montreal to make a push towards the top of the standings. They are +10000 outsiders in the Eastern Conference betting. Those looking to bet on the NHL, should bear in mind that Draftkings offers this NHL season on their sportsbook with a sign-up promo offer. Bettors can get up to $200 in bonus bets when placing their first $5 bet on the NHL, whether that be on the Canadiens in their next game or on any other team.

CF Montreal Fall Just Short in MLS Playoffs

After winning 11 of their 34 matches, CF Montreal finished eighth in the Eastern Conference in the 2024 MLS campaign, which was enough for them to qualify in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Unfortunately for Montreal fans, it ended there, as they were beaten by Atlanta United FC on penalties. 

Montreal drew 2-2 with Atlanta United FC following 90 minutes at the Saputo Stadium, meaning penalties were needed to separate the two teams. Tom Pearce was the only player to miss his spot kick, which ensured Atlanta progressed through to Round One.

In his first season with the franchise after moving from Inter Miami, Josef Martinez gave Montreal supporters a lot to cheer about in 2024. The Venezuela international scored 14 goals in all competitions. That tally would have been higher had the former Torino player not picked up an injury midway through the campaign.

Head coach Laurent Courtois has a lot to build on in 2025 in his second year in Montreal. He will be hoping to get his side back into the playoffs and have a deeper run towards the MLS Cup game.

With the Canadiens and CF Montreal both heading in the right direction, it may not be long before one of these teams brings home a championship to the city.

Posted in Guides
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by Cult MTL

Contributor
Cult MTL is a daily news website and monthly magazine focusing on Montreal culture, music, arts, news, politics and city life. Along with interviewing local and visiting artists, promoters and entrepreneurs, we feature analysis and criticism, curate a daily To-Do List and run the annual Best of MTL readers poll.