BOSTON — The iconic rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins has been reignited, drawing heightened interest for their upcoming matchup. This increase in excitement is attributed to the new show “Heated Rivalry,” which airs on Crave and HBO Max. The series tells the love story of two male hockey players from rival teams, spotlighting a side of hockey often overlooked.
Ticket sales platform StubHub reported a staggering sixfold increase in interest for Saturday night’s game, with sales 35 percent higher than in typical contests between the two Original Six teams. Interestingly, 82 percent of ticket purchasers are first-time buyers, a significant jump from the norm, showcasing the show’s impact on attracting new fans.
Currently, tickets are available with prices starting at $199 for seats in the balcony section of TD Garden. For those looking to splurge, premium seats near the center ice are being listed for as much as $16,068 per pair, a notable decrease from a previous price of $22,112.
The Boston Bruins’ social media team has also engaged with the show’s storyline, referencing it in posts about prior matchups, which has undoubtedly contributed to the buzz around the rivalry.
Kevin Corsino, a board member of Boston Pride Hockey, an LGBTQ+ league, expressed enthusiasm for how “Heated Rivalry” mirrors the dynamics he perceives in Boston-Montreal encounters. Corsino highlighted that the show not only entertains but sparks important conversations about inclusion in the sport, saying, “It’s amazing because with the show, the Boston-Montreal dynamic is so true to what we see.”
The excitement generated by the show seems to be influencing more than just the Bruins-Canadiens games. Overall NHL ticket sales on StubHub have surged by 82 percent compared to last season, marked by a 40 percent increase in general interest for NHL tickets and a 75 percent rise in searches. Since the show’s premiere on November 28, 2025, there has also been a 5 percent uptick in first-time NHL ticket buyers.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman publicly shared his appreciation for “Heated Rivalry,” noting its impact on raising awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community within the league. The actor François Arnaud has also called for the NHL to actively demonstrate its commitment to diversity, a sentiment echoed by players like Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy.
McAvoy, who used rainbow-colored tape during warmups in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion, remarked on the positive changes he’s witnessed in the league’s culture. “It’s important to show support and ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable within the game,” he said.
Corsino affirmed that the show is paving the way for greater acceptance and visibility in hockey. “We want to make sure that folks can see themselves in the game and feel like there’s a space for them,” he emphasized.
The excitement surrounding this matchup, fueled by both the historical rivalry and the groundbreaking portrayal of LGBTQ+ stories in hockey, brings hope for a more inclusive future in the sport.