Canadiens living legend Jean Beliveau drew the biggest ovation of a rousing pregame ceremony accepting the Habs' legendary torch from fellow Hall of Famer Serge Savard before passing it off to current captain Brian Gionta.

The adoring crowd of 21,273 roared as every member of the team stood at centre ice to bring hockey mythology to life: a turn "from failing hands we throw the torch, be yours to hold it high" coming alive before their eyes.

Hockey Hall of Famer Yvan Cournoyer was first to emerge holding the torch in the upper reaches of the Bell Centre.   He handed it to Henri Richard, still the winner of most Stanley Cup rings of any NHL player ever.

Former Captain Vinnie Damphousse was also part of the torch-bearing ceremony, which some fans said on twitter and Facebook brought them to tears.

Fans lustily booed the Leafs and gave huge ovations pregame to rookie Alex Galchenyuk, the rare rookie getting a debut role as an 18-year old.