Why are the Montreal Canadiens called the Habs?

Bobby Orr Famous Goal on May 10th, 1970 

I see a lot of posts about the"Habs" but do you know why we call them the Habs?

Habs is an abbreviation of "les habitants." the informal name giving to the original settlers of New France in the 17th century. The Montreal Canadiens, established in 1909 was marketed as a French-Canadian Hockey Team.

According to NHL.COM, Tex Rickard, owner of Madison Square Garden is the first man to refer to the team as "the Habs".

Rickard told reporters that the "H" on the Canadiens jersey was for "Habitants" but this is not true, it actuality is for Club de Hockey.

Now having said all of this, All we here in Boston care about is that the Bruins #BeatTheHabs!! Tonight is game 5 of round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs!!  #GoBruins