#NHLPlayoffs: Hope isn't a bad habit for Habs fans
It was a hopeful day for Habs fans everywhere.
The Canadiens were in Tampa Bay. The sun was shining, players were smiling and the Habs were only down 2-0 in their series against the Lightning. This was Game 3!
Fans were optimistic carving watermelons and "Habifying" burgers.
At CBC Sports we were even being our usual clever selves and punning up a storm. Confident that this Game 3 would be an exciting one.
Inside Amalie Arena there was a lighthearted air, most likely due to everyone's second favourite astronaut (Chris Hadfield is the obvious first choice).
Fans were sure their Habs could win.
When Alex Killorn scored the first goal of the game, fans didn't lose hope. #GoHabsGo was still resounding in the Twitterverse.
And then it happened, Brendan Gallagher (the birthday boy) scored to tie the game with 10 minutes left in the third.
Fans were on the edge of their seats as the time dwindled. Overtime was a sure thing!
Until it wasn't.
With 1.1 seconds left in regulation, Tyler Johnson scored the game winner to the shock and awe of fans everywhere.
This was the final straw for many Habs fans who vented their frustrations on Facebook.
But for the most part, fans are still standing behind their Montreal Canadiens. We're even hearing talk of a "reverse sweep".
Either way, to quote Journey on this journey to the Stanley Cup:
