Montreal businesses feel effect of Canadiens playoff run on customer traffic

On NHL playoff nights in Montreal, the wood-fired oven at St-Viateur Bagel keeps burning — even if the lineups at the counter get a little shorter. At the flagship location of the Mile End bakery, employees say they have noticed a familiar pattern during Montreal Canadiens playoff games: quieter streets and fewer customers walking through the door. “Our store is calmer on evenings when the Canadiens are playing,” said Nicolò Piazza, general manager of St-Viateur Bagel. “But we’re very proud of our team.” As the Canadiens’ playoff run grips Montreal, businesses across the city say game nights a…