Street celebrations began soon after 10 p.m. when the Canadiens shut out the Bruins 5-0 and thousands of fans took to the streets to celebrate, the Canwest News Service reported.

Around midnight, police said things turned ugly as revelers began smashing store windows and looting. Six police cars were torched and 10 others were so badly damaged they had to be towed, police said.

"People started attacking private businesses, attacking police officers and throwing rocks or any objects they could find at police cars," said Montreal Police Constable Laurent Gingras.

Three juveniles were among the 16 males arrested on charges ranging from breaking and entering a business, armed assault on a police officer, mischief on a police vehicle, assault and various bylaw infractions, Canwest said.

Police said calm was restored by 3 a.m., and no injuries were reported. Gingras said it would take some time to determine the amount of damages.