Game misconduct

Of course, the majority of Habs fans didn't turn their celebration of their team's Game 7 victory in the first round of the NHL playoffs into an excuse to act like idiots/goons and destroy and vandalize downtown Montreal, which included the torching of five police cruisers and ransacking some stores.

Police and government officials need to re-evaluate their security measures since whatever was planned Monday night obviously didn't work. Some argue that a big police presence ignited the rioting. That's nonsense. These rioters are morons, were probably drunk, and are solely to blame for their actions.

However, the police under estimated the level of craziness that might follow a first-round playoff match, and who can blame them, the Habs still have to win two more rounds just to get to the Stanley Cup final. One has to wonder if the rioting will escalate if the Canadiens actually advance further in the playoffs. There was major rioting after the last Cup wins for the Habs in 1993 and 1986.

The Montreal police need to take a harder line with rioters: tear gas and water cannons, or whatever it takes. It's also disappointing only 16 people were arrested during the riot. There needs to be a major effort to arrest people causing the more serious damages. Police need to further investigate the incidents using photos and video taken at the scene. Authorities should also take the time to prosecute the more serious offenders.

As well, civic and provincial officials should also consider banning the sale of alcoholic beverages downtown after say 9 p.m. when the Habs play at home. A drastic measure some might argue, but some decisive action needs to be taken to quell this hooliganism.