Country and folk artist Rick Duff is bringing a high-energy soundtrack to the ice as the Montreal Canadiens gear up for the playoffs. The Montreal-based singer-songwriter has released a new English-language anthem titled “Killer Instinct,” a track specifically designed as an ode to the “Tricolore” and their upcoming postseason journey.
A Cinematic Tribute to the Habs
The release is more than just a song; We see a full visual experience. The music video for “Killer Instinct” was filmed on location at the Centre Bell and features a cameo by the team’s well-known organist, Diane Bibaud. The video officially premiered on the Canadiens’ official YouTube channel on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
This collaboration highlights the deep intersection of local artistry and sports culture in Quebec, as Duff leverages his country storytelling roots to capture the intensity of professional hockey. The track was made available for streaming on platforms like Spotify on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Joining a Wave of Playoff Anthems
Duff is not the only local artist contributing to the playoff fever. He joins Jérôme Charlebois, who also launched a new track on April 15, 2026. Charlebois’ contribution is a hockey-inspired reimagining of the classic “Je reviendrai à Montréal,” originally performed by his father, Robert Charlebois, in 1976.
The Montreal Canadiens have embraced these local contributions, sharing the songs to support fans prepare for the first round of the series. For those looking to dive deeper into the team’s playoff initiatives, the organization has pointed fans toward the Canadiens’ “Centrale des séries.”
Rick Duff’s Rising Momentum
The release of “Killer Instinct” comes amid a busy season for Duff, a passionate guitarist and composer from Mascouche who has previously appeared twice in the blind auditions of The Voice. Beyond his sports-themed release, Duff is currently touring a variety of venues across Canada.
His upcoming schedule includes performances at the Chasse-galerie Cultural Café in Lavaltrie on April 24, 2026, and appearances in Repentigny, La Conception, Amos, and Val D’Or throughout May. He is also slated to perform at the Trois-Pistoles Western Festival on June 6, 2026, and the Ayer’s Cliff Rodeo on June 12, 2026. Duff maintains a regular presence in the local scene with “Open Mic Wednesdays” at Jackflat BBQ in Laval.
