The Montreal Canadiens are on a quest for their first Stanley Cup since 1993, and as they battle through the playoffs, you'll hear fans chanting "Go Habs Go!" But for those new to the ice, the nickname "Habs" might seem a bit puzzling.

Simply put, "Habs" is a beloved shorthand for the Montreal Canadiens. It traces back to the French term Les Habitants, which was used to describe 17th-century French settlers in Quebec. Over time, that phrase was shortened into the catchy "Habs" we know today—a nod to the team's deep-rooted heritage in Montreal.

The nickname first appeared in a 1914 newspaper article, fittingly after the Canadiens crushed Toronto 9-3. However, don't let the "H" inside the team's "C" logo fool you—that stands for Club de Hockey Canadien, not "Habs." It's a common mix-up, but the logo tells its own story.

Speaking of French flair, the Canadiens' home jerseys feature the NHL logo in French (LNH), while their road uniforms stick with the standard NHL. It's a subtle but proud nod to the team's bilingual identity.

As the Canadiens push deeper into the postseason, the rallying cry "Go Habs Go" will echo from Montreal to hockey rinks everywhere. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just catching the action, knowing the story behind the nickname adds a little extra passion to every goal.