1. Why a real setup
Playoffs aren't just watching the game. It's a ritual. On Game 1 nights, Quebecers who pull out their lucky jersey win more often than those watching in sweatpants on the couch. (Probably superstition. We don't care.)
At the 132, playoff nights feel like a real Bell Centre section: five or six Tricolore jerseys in the room, TV muted on RDS and our speakers playing Rush between periods, pitchers going around, nobody on their phone. This guide shows how to recreate 80% of that energy at home — for nights when you can't make it in.
And for the other nights: come see us.
2. Bare minimum
Three small purchases under $100 that turn a normal living room into a fan corner. If you're starting from zero, start here.
☕ Canadiens mug or glass (~$22)
Smallest possible fan purchaseA Canadiens mug for afternoon coffee or the 6 PM beer. It's a symbolic purchase — you see it every morning, it reminds you the game's tonight. Playoffs last six weeks; that detail matters.
See Canadiens mugs on Amazon.ca →🏒 Official puck (~$18)
Kid gift or desk decorA Canadiens puck for a shelf or to give a nephew/niece starting hockey. Small budget, big long-term effect.
See pucks on Amazon.ca →🛋️ Canadiens blanket (~$79)
Big impact for little moneyEasier to buy than a jersey (no sizing questions), visible on the couch all evening. A bit more than a mug, but the winning gift for a Habs-loving father-in-law.
See Canadiens blankets on Amazon.ca →3. Standard setup — $500 to $1000
The sweet spot for anyone who takes playoffs seriously once a year. Here, the jersey becomes central.
⭐ The jersey — the core purchase
RECOMMENDEDA real Canadiens jersey (not a Canadian Tire t-shirt). Amazon.ca rotates its Fanatics inventory by size, player, and seller — so the link goes to a targeted search rather than a single product. Always check the seller and return policy before buying.
Our regulars mostly buy: the classic Tricolore red (current players or "blank"), or a classic Suzuki / Caufield if you follow the current generation. Vintage Artisanat jerseys (Lafleur #10, Roy #33): always in demand, often 20–30% more expensive.
🛒 See Canadiens jerseys on Amazon.ca →The rest of the standard setup
- 55–65 inch TV — already in most homes. If you're upgrading, aim for at least 120 Hz so hockey doesn't smear.
- Decent sound — even an entry-level soundbar ($200–400) changes everything vs built-in speakers. The commentators yelling about Martin Brodeur matters.
- Pint glasses — 4 tavern glasses minimum for guests. No bottles on the table, it's 2026.
5. Game food and beer
At the bar, we don't overcomplicate it, and you shouldn't either. Here's what we serve for a playoff game:
| What | Why |
|---|---|
| Chicken wings | Because. Frank's RedHot or BBQ sriracha sauce. 3 lb for 4 people. |
| Nachos + guacamole | Eat standing, eat fast. No fork, no excuse to miss a goal. |
| Sausage + pickles | The "adult" between-periods snack. Craft brewery-bar option. |
| Quebec IPA or lager | Trois Mousquetaires, Dieu du Ciel, McAuslan. No Bud. |
| Water (!!) | Playoffs can last 3 hours with overtime. Hydrate between pints. |
The unwritten rule at the 132: game beer is a Quebec craft brewery, period. Even the simplest local lager beats Coors Light.
6. Between-periods music
Seriously, mute the ads. Between periods, we swap TVA Sports for a local rock playlist. The vibe doesn't drop, the energy stays. Here are three 132 bands that fit hockey nights (stompy, melodic, a little dirty):
Several have their discography on Bandcamp — 100% of revenue goes to the band, not Spotify. Good time to support them directly.
7. Where to watch on the South Shore
If your TV is too small, the neighbour too loud, or you just want real fan company, here are the good spots:
🍻 Abreuvoir 132 (Varennes)
Our bar. 1627 Route 132. 3 screens, RDS muted, pitchers going around. We open every playoff night at 6 PM — arrive by 7 PM to keep a table. No reservation required, but a call confirms we have room.
📺 Other South Shore bars
Most pubs in Boucherville, Longueuil, and Sainte-Julie also show the games. If you're not in Varennes, call ahead — some reserve the room for private leagues during the playoffs.
8. FAQ
Does the 132 reserve tables for playoffs?
We don't take reservations during the playoffs, but we recommend arriving by 6 PM for evening games. Groups of 6+ can call ahead and we'll push two tables together.
Which Canadiens jersey should I buy first?
The classic red with the C/H — neutral, timeless, never a "bad player who got traded". Blank jerseys (no number) often cost 20% less and last longer.
How much beer for 6 people on one game?
Plan on 3 pints per person over 3 hours (including overtime). That's 18 pints × 473 ml ≈ 8.5 L. A 20 L keg covers two nights; 3 six-packs works too.
RDS or Sportsnet for the playoffs?
RDS for passion, Sportsnet for technical analysis. At the 132, we switch depending on who's at the bar. If you have a Videotron/Bell subscription, both are included.
Gift for a Habs fan — $50 budget?
Blanket + mug combo (~$100) or puck + book on Canadiens history (~$50). For a teen, a roll of Renfrew tape + a Canadiens t-shirt: winning gesture for under $40.
🏒
Come watch the game with us
Abreuvoir 132 · 1627 Route 132, Varennes. Open every playoff night from 6 PM. RDS on the speakers, craft brewery pitchers, jerseys everywhere.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cooblink (which develops and maintains abreuvoir132.com) earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon.ca links in this article contain an affiliate tag; your price stays the same. Editorial recommendations reflect what our team, regulars and bands actually use.
Published 2026-04-21 · Updated 2026-04-21 · Abreuvoir 132, Varennes