On a Saturday night in Canada, especially in Montreal, hockey is as much a part of the city’s culture as a warm Tim Hortons beverage and a classic poutine. Whether the older generation watched Hockey Night in Canada on CBC or now watch games on the Sportsnet App, the Montreal Canadiens are a staple for hockey programming on a Saturday night.

But, without looking at the schedule, can anyone name the last time the Canadiens won a game on Saturday night? Here’s a reminder in case you forgot:

Yes, Montreal last won on a Saturday night against the New York Rangers on January 6. Since that fantastic shootout win, the Canadiens have dropped 12 consecutive contests on this day, and their record on Saturday nights under Martin St-Louis has fallen to 19-32-2.

On September 28, the Bell Centre will be packed as the Toronto Maple Leafs visit for their final pre-season meeting before their Opening Night clash on October 9. Last year, these Original Six rivals met twice on Saturday, with the Maple Leafs taking both contests by 3-2 and 4-2.

On Thursday night, Toronto ended Montreal’s pre-season shutout streak and handed them their first loss. Many people consider the games played in late September meaningless, especially when the lineup changes every night from veteran-heavy to prospect-heavy. Still, a win is a win, and a loss is a loss.

Considering how long it’s been since Montreal secured a victory on Saturday night, a place they have been featured for more than 72 years since debuting on Hockey Night in Canada in October 1952, ending their pre-season with Saturday victories over Toronto and Ottawa (October 5), could set this young team up for more successes in the regular season.

Even though the Canadiens are not considered Stanley Cup contenders ahead of the 2024-25 season, their franchise is proud and has a deep tradition of respecting and honoring their past. Continuing to lose important, nationally televised contests every Saturday night is not part of the recipe for success, and they have to flip the script to jump back into the conversation as one of Canada’s top teams.