Montreal rallying behind Canadiens and Victoire as both teams in playoff run

Habs and Victoire fever is sweeping the province as both Montreal teams are thriving in the playoffs.

With the Victoire fighting for the Walter Cup and the Habs having their eyes on the Stanley Cup, there’s no denying that hockey fever is across Montreal and beyond.

For example, the old Quebec Nordiques vs. the Montreal Canadiens rivalry is clearly over because 15,000 hockey fans filled Quebec City’s Videotron Centre to watch Game 5 on screens.

The energy and the decibel levels were sky high. Meanwhile, in Westmount, Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom has been hosting watch parties for both the Habs and the Victoire.

“We’re very happily part of the religious landscape here. And we also know that the religion that Montrealers share is the religion of hockey,” said Rabbi Lisa Grushcow.

The rabbi says they’re proudly flying both flags out front.

“As an egalitarian congregation, as one that values women equally with men. We’re fans of Victoire as well as the Habs, and we are so lucky to have two great teams in the playoffs this year.”

Grushcow even has a friendly wager going on.

“There’s a reformed synagogue in Ottawa, and so the rabbi there and I are having a bit of a back and forth,” said Grushcow. “If and when I’m going to say the Victoire wins, they’re going to make a contribution to the good cause of our choosing.”

What are the rabbi’s fearless predictions?

“I’m going to go for the Habs winning back home in Montreal Saturday night. I think that would be a great way to take it. And I got to go for the Victoire, but the Charge is a really good team, so I’m going to say Victoire in five.”