Canadiens fans in Winnipeg: Jets coach hasn’t seen anything worse since he’s been there
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The Winnipeg Jets are not having a great season, as we know. Already playing in what is probably the least popular city in the NHL, there must be few reasons to smile in Manitoba right now.
And yesterday was worse than ever. The club faced off against Samuel Montembeault, who allowed his teammates to start the game 15 minutes late and still win.
The Québécois was strong.
At one point, the crowd even cheered for the Canadiens' goalie, even though the game was taking place in Winnipeg and not at the Bell Centre.
After the recent game in Buffalo, this was another game where the Canadiens dominated the stands away.
Historically, the Canadiens have always had quite a few fans in Western Canada. But now, with the success of the Habs, it seems to have brought them out of their shells.
And let's just say that Scott Arniel noticed.
When asked about it, the Jets coach said (twice) that he was disappointed to be playing in front of so many Canadiens fans. In his eyes, it was probably the worst he's seen in four years in Winnipeg.
He didn't mince words and wasn't afraid to throw his fans under the bus, in any case.
#NHLJets head coach Scott Arniel was asked what it's like to play in front of that many fans of the opposing team while at home:
“Yeah, that's pretty disappointing. That's probably the worst I've seen it in my four years back here tonight. That was really disappointing.” pic.twitter.com/K9dHefau3e
— Connor Hrabchak (@ConnorHrabchak1) February 5, 2026
The Jets have had poor attendance for years, and the Winnipeg market is not healthy in terms of hockey. Nights like yesterday don't help.
And we know that Gary Bettman is not in love with the Manitoba market as he (no doubt) still is with Arizona…
But aside from the fans and Samuel Montembeault's performance, there are other things to remember from yesterday's game, which was the last one before the break.
For example?
1. Brendan Gallagher had an excellent game. He collected three points and his line clearly had wings. Thanks to that line, the Canadiens won the game.
Josh Anderson also collected three points, and Phillip Danault (who scored on an empty net after 1,452 attempts by the habs) was excellent, especially in the face-off circle.
The impact of Phillip Danault's arrival is so underrated. Another 66% success rate on faceoffs tonight. So smart and stabilizing. And he's breathing new life into Gallagher…
— Mathias Brunet (@mathiasbrunet) February 5, 2026
2. Currently, there are three teams in the NHL that have two defensemen with at least 10 goals. The Capitals, the Sabres, and the Canadiens are those teams.
Noah Dobson and Lane Hutson have reached that milestone.And Lane Hutson's 10th goal is clearly a star goal. #Magnificent
Montreal goal!
Scored by Lane Hutson with 13:16 remaining in the 2nd period.
Assisted by Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher.
Winnipeg: 1
Montreal: 3#MTLvsWPG #GoJetsGo #GoHabsGo
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) February 4, 2026, at 8:31 p.m.
3. Apart from Mike Matheson, who played for nearly 25 minutes, the guys' playing time was relatively balanced. For the forwards, this can be explained by the fact that the habs had a comfortable lead for part of the game.
All of the forwards took between 15 and 19 shifts each.
4. As we speak, the Canadiens are in second place in their division thanks to their victory. The Sabres could surpass the Habs with a win tonight against the Penguins.
But in any case, the Habs will remain in the top three of their division for a few more weeks.
Overtime
The Canadiens players are officially on break for several days.Except for those who will be attending the Olympic Games, of course. #Suzuki #Slafkovsky #Kapanen #Texier?
The others will have to be back in Montreal for practice on February 17 at 2 p.m.
