The 2013 Eastern Conference Finals Heartbreak

Lore & Background

In the playoffs, the two teams have met in 34 series for a total of 171 games, which is 11 series and 60 more games than two other Original Six teams, the Red Wings and Maple Leafs. The two teams have faced each other nine times in game sevens, more times than any other opponents in NHL history.

In Their Own Story

The ice at TD Garden felt colder than usual on May 16, 2013. The crowd's roar was a physical force, vibrating through the boards as Tim Thomas stood tall in his mask, eyes locked on the puck. It was overtime, Game 7, and the air smelled of popcorn, sweat, and impending glory. When Marian Gaborik received the pass near the blue line, the arena seemed to hold its breath. The shot cracked off Zdeno Chara's skate, a deflection that looked like an accident until it sliced past Thomas's glove. The silence that followed was heavier than any cheer; it was the sound of a dream deferred.

Reader's Guide

As of the end of the 2025–26 season, Montreal leads the regular season record, 367–286–103–12, and the playoff record, 106–71 against Boston.

Did You Know?

• The Bruins and Canadiens have played each other more times in both regular season and playoffs than any other two teams in NHL history.
• The two teams have faced each other nine times in game sevens, more than any other opponents in NHL history.