I'm so happy my team won, I think I will go steal something

What is with the people of Montreal and their incessant need for rioting and looting after winning big games (or losing big games)?  It doesn't make sense.  Sure, there are a few idiots out there that will inevitably bring out the bad press and turn the positives toward the negative side.  But those are the FEW.  In this case, these are the masses. 

I am sure this is all going to be blamed on some alcohol fuled rage from a few 20 something college douchebags but I think this goes deeper.  I am happy for the Canadiens and I hope they go on to win it.  Any 8th seed that can oust the top two teams in succession from the playoffs gets my vote anyday.  But come on people. 

"Police reported that an SAQ liquor store and three boutiques on Ste. Catherine were looted, while at least six people had been arrested by 11 p.m., most for being drunk in public." I read this morning that another dozen or more were arrested shortly thereafter.  Even two policemen (in full riot gear) were hurt.  "Despite the hooliganism, Montreal police characterized the reaction as tame compared to celebrations in previous years." 

I know it has happened in the past in some other cities (Chicago comes to mind) but this is every...single...time.  And to think, this was just a semi final game.  I hate to see what happens if they win the Conference Finals, or even the Cup.  Someone from Canada please explain this phenomenon to me.

This is understandable.  You just won a pivotal game 7.  You are happy. You pick your girl up on your shoulders to celebrate.  Hooray!

I can sort of see this too, because let's face it, alcohol makes people do stupid things sometimes.

But then you just go and make them angry....

Fires break out as people burn their "Olympic Hero" in effigy.  The one Habs fan is clearly trying to get warm but the others, I'm not so sure.  Notice the guy with the Pirates hat standing there.  What's that all about?

Now they are lighting people on fire.  Apparently this guy was a Maple Leafs fan who wandered out on the street at the wrong time.

"I'm so happy my team won that I am going to burn this newspaper clipping in one hand while holding my tallboy and cigarette in the other."  Ole, indeed.

No party is complete without the obligatory looting.  Here we find some fine young Canadien fans stopping by the local liquor store to pick up some refreshments after the game.  Look at 'em go.

While we are at it, let's go pick up some new warmup suits and shoes from what used to be the Foot Locker and is now going out of business.

The night isn't complete until someone passes out drunk.  What's that?  Not drunk you say? Oh, tear gassed.  That was my second guess.

And no night of celebration is complete without being escorted to the paddy wagon by police in riot gear.  Good times.

Stay classy, Montreal.