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Here is a detailed, SEO-optimized article regarding the recent NHL events, tailored for a Canadian audience.

Habs vs. Avs: Suzuki Dominates as Canadiens Cruise, Nordiques Jerseys Spark Nostalgia

Date: January 29, 2026
Location: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC

The ice at the Bell Centre was buzzing tonight, not just with the heat of a divisional rivalry, but with the weight of history. For fans of the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche, this wasn't just another regular-season matchup; it was a collision of past and present. While the Avalanche donned the iconic blue, red, and white of the defunct Quebec Nordiques, it was the Canadiens' Nick Suzuki who stole the spotlight, leading his team to a decisive victory.

In a game that saw Montreal capitalize on Colorado’s struggles, the Canadiens secured a commanding 7-3 win. The narrative of the night was twofold: the emotional return of the Nordiques brand to the NHL stage and a dominant performance by the Habs that left the Avalanche searching for answers.

The Main Narrative: A Night of History and Highlights

The primary draw for hockey purists was the visual spectacle. As confirmed by CityNews Montreal, the Avalanche paid tribute to their Quebec roots by wearing Nordiques jerseys for warmups, a nod to the fierce "Battle of Quebec" that defined the NHL in the late 80s and early 90s.

However, once the puck dropped, the nostalgia faded, replaced by the relentless pace of modern hockey. The Canadiens, led by captain Nick Suzuki, wasted no time asserting their dominance. Suzuki was a dynamo on the ice, registering three points and setting the tone early.

For the Avalanche, it was a night to forget. As detailed in the recap by Mile High Hockey, Colorado "couldn't do anything right," resulting in a lopsided 7-3 loss. The game exposed defensive gaps and a lack of cohesion that the Avalanche will need to address quickly. For Montreal, this victory serves as a statement win, proving they can dismantle a perennial contender like Colorado.

Recent Updates: The Chronology of the Game

Based on verified reports from NHL.com and Mile High Hockey, here is the timeline of how the night unfolded:

The Warmup: A Nostalgic Return

Before the first whistle, the atmosphere was charged. The Avalanche skated onto the ice wearing the classic Nordiques logo—a horseshoe surrounding a stylized "Q"—paired with the team's original baby blue and white colors. The visual was a stark contrast to their modern maroon and blue, serving as a reminder of the rivalry that relocated to Colorado in 1995.

The First Period: Setting the Pace

The Canadiens came out firing. Suzuki, anchoring the top line, immediately put the Avalanche defense on its heels. Montreal’s forecheck was aggressive, forcing turnovers in the neutral zone. By the midway point of the period, the Habs had already found the back of the net, silencing the Avalanche's hopes of a quiet start.

The Middle Frames: Suzuki Takes Over

The second period belonged to Nick Suzuki. According to the NHL.com game recap, Suzuki was instrumental in stretching the lead, contributing to three separate scoring plays. His vision and playmaking ability exploited Colorado’s defensive lapses. The Avalanche attempted to claw their way back, managing three goals, but their efforts were consistently countered by Montreal’s offensive response.

The Final Buzzer: A Decisive Victory

The third period saw the Canadiens tighten their grip. While Colorado pushed for momentum, Montreal’s goaltending and defensive structure held firm. The game concluded with a 7-3 scoreline, a reflection of Montreal’s efficiency and Colorado’s frustration.

Contextual Background: The Battle of Quebec

To fully appreciate the significance of the Nordiques jerseys and the intensity of a Canadiens-Avalanche game, one must look back at the history books.

The Rivalry

The "Battle of Quebec" was one of the most intense rivalries in NHL history, born from the proximity of the two cities and the passion of Quebec hockey fans. Between 1982 and 1993, the Montreal Canadiens and Quebec Nordiques met in the playoffs five times. The Canadiens won four of those series, but the games were notoriously physical and emotional, highlighted by the Good Friday Massacre in 1984.

The Relocation

In 1995, due to economic struggles and a weak Canadian dollar at the time, the Nordiques were sold and relocated to Denver, becoming the Colorado Avalanche. The team found instant success, winning the Stanley Cup in their first season in Colorado (1995-96). While the Avalanche have built their own legacy, the ghost of the Nordiques has never truly left the collective consciousness of Quebec hockey fans.

The Modern Era

Tonight’s game bridged that gap. For Montreal fans, seeing the Nordiques logo on the ice was a reminder of a time when the rivalry was the center of the hockey universe. For the Avalanche, it was a gesture of respect to their origins.

Immediate Effects: Impact on the Standings and Morale

The 7-3 result has tangible implications for both franchises.

For the Montreal Canadiens

This victory is a massive morale booster. Defeating a team of Colorado’s caliber—often considered a Stanley Cup favorite—by a four-goal margin sends a message to the rest of the league. Suzuki’s three-point night reinforces his status as a premier center in the league, validating the team’s rebuild. The Canadiens’ offense, often criticized for inconsistency, clicked on all cylinders, suggesting a turning point in their season.

For the Colorado Avalanche

Conversely, the loss is a wake-up call. Defensive breakdowns and an inability to stem the tide of Montreal’s offense highlight structural issues. For a team with championship aspirations, a 7-3 loss is more than just a bad night; it’s a statistical outlier that demands review. The Avalanche must now regroup to maintain their position in the highly competitive Western Conference playoff race.

The Fan Experience

For fans in Quebec, the night was a win regardless of the scoreboard. The sight of the Nordiques jerseys back in an NHL arena has sparked renewed discussions about the potential for a return of the franchise to Quebec City. The merchandise sold out quickly, and social media was flooded with images of the warmup jerseys, proving that the market demand for hockey in Quebec City remains robust.

Future Outlook: What’s Next?

Based on the events of tonight and the current NHL landscape, here is what to watch for moving forward.

The Canadiens' Trajectory

If Montreal can maintain the momentum generated by this win, they could become a dangerous "spoiler" team in the Eastern Conference. The chemistry between Suzuki and his linemates is palpable. The challenge will be consistency. Can they replicate this offensive explosion against tighter defensive structures?

The Avalanche's Response

Colorado is too talented to slump for long. Expect a bounce-back game in their next outing. However, coaching adjustments may be necessary. The defensive coverage that failed them tonight needs tightening. If they can shore up the back end, they remain a top-tier threat.

The Nordiques Brand

The success of the jersey night in Montreal raises the question: will we see more? While a full-time return of the Nordiques is a complex economic and logistical challenge, tonight served as a proof of concept. The passion is still there. It is likely that the NHL will continue to leverage this heritage for special events, keeping the Nordiques spirit alive in the minds of fans.

Interesting Facts from the Game

• Historical Echoes: The last time the Nordiques logo was seen this prominently in an NHL arena was during the 2011 NHL Heritage Classic warmup, but this marks the first time an active franchise (the Avalanche) has worn the logo for a regular-season game in Montreal.
• Suzuki’s Milestone: With his three-point performance, Nick Suzuki continues a career-best scoring pace, solidifying his role as the cornerstone of the Canadiens' rebuild.
• High-Scoring Affair: A 10-goal total (7-3) is rare in modern NHL games, which have increasingly trended toward lower scores and tighter defensive play. This game was a throwback to the high-flying 80s.

Conclusion

The night at the Bell Centre will be remembered for two distinct reasons. It was a celebration of Quebec hockey history, honoring the legacy of the Quebec Nordiques and the fierce rivalry that once captivated the province. It was also a showcase of the current Montreal Canadiens' potential, as they dismantled a powerhouse Colorado team in spectacular fashion.

While the Avalanche leave Montreal with a loss to analyze, the fans leave with a memory of a night where the past and present collided in the best way possible. As the season progresses, the Canadiens will look to build on this momentum, while the