by Rick Stephens, AllHabs.net

BROSSARD, QC.– One hour before Canadiens practise was to begin, the parking lot of the Bell Sports Complex was already mostly filled. All of the best viewing spots ringing the glass were taken. Business was brisk in the Habs Zone as fans picked up gear to show their pride.

One really has to admire the Montreal fanbase. On the warmest day of a dismal Spring, and Easter Monday, families were trekking to the Brossard arena in droves to support their team on the brink of elimination. By the time practise started, supporters, many in Habs jerseys and some carrying handmade signs, were several deep circling the rink.

The press area was filled with media from Montreal, Boston and national services. Even “The Ghost”, Pierre Gauthier looked down on the team he assembled knowing that there will be questions about his inaction at the trade deadline if the season ends this week.

In anticipation of playing back-to-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday, coach Jacques Martin kept practise short. Drills focussed on odd man rushes and the power-play. Notably absent were James Wisniewski and David Desharnais who injured his knee when sandwiched by Andrew Ference and Johnny Boychuk in Game 5.

If both injured Canadiens are not ready to go, we could see both Paul Mara and Yannick Weber in the lineup. Mara practised with Brent Sopel as the third defensive pair. Weber played wing on the fourth line with Tom Pyatt and Ryan White — in addition to manning the point with P.K. Subban on the first wave of the power-play.

Almost unnoticed on the second sheet of ice was a trio of players that the Canadiens would dearly love to have for Game 6. Andrei Markov, Josh Gorges and Max Pacioretty skated and took turns facing the Shooter Tutor. Thoughts temporarily drifted to their presence in next season’s lineup but will all three be back?

Maybe Alex Auld was wondering the same thing. Auld has fulfilled his backup role to near perfection this season — being a spot starter, a good teammate and the biggest supporter of Carey Price. Auld lingered on the ice long after all others had departed, seeming to take in the Brossard atmosphere for what could be the last time.

Those thoughts were not on the minds of a large contigent of fans who gathered outside the parking garage doors to see their Habs heroes as they departed. Cheers greeted every vehicle — fans murmured “It’s okay, he has to prepare for Game 6” in an understanding way as some players chose not to stop. Gratitude flowed for the ones who took the time to patiently sign memorabilia and pose for photos.

It was a long wait between player’s cars but the excitement never wavered. As motorists drove by on the street, they added support with their horns — paramedics saluted with siren chirps.  Max Pacioretty spent the most time with fans, his dashboard still adorned with palm leaves from Lent.

The biggest cheer was reserved for P.K. Subban — even prompting a chant of “P.K., P.K!” Standing next to me in hopes of an autograph for her son, a mom clutched an Easton S19 stick that once belonged to Subban. She got her wish as P.K. signed the blade saying “I think this stick has a couple of goals left in it.”

The last player out, Hal Gill, decided to park and walk the line of fans. Two and a half hours after practise had ended, Gill left a smiling mob.

It’s well known that a visit to the Bell Centre during the playoffs is the ultimate game event. But fans looking for the complete Canadiens experience should also add a Brossard visit to their ‘must do’ list. It’s not to be missed.

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