Angela Price gives the insider scoop on the playoff run, the expansion draft and Carey's surgery

PUBLICATION

T. Tadi
August 1, 2021 (10:24)

SHARE THIS STORY

PLAYOFFS

I don't really know how to put those two months into words � it was a wild ride! The worst, best experience of my life.

The highs and lows were out of this world, and everything in between was just stress and anxiety. From the outside looking in, I had no idea how stressful playoffs could get. I don't know why I got so worked up, but I wasn't alone. Most other wives seemed to be right there with me. By finals, my anxiety was crippling. It was a joke to use my computer on game day. I'd sit for hours doing nothing, unable to eat, and feeling like an elephant sat on my chest. OMG, the wins (especially in overtime) made it all worthwhile! I've never had more fun celebrating a win than when we beat Las Vegas in game six. That's one of my all-time favourite hockey memories.

Being in the playoffs during such a crazy and uncertain time added to the stress. We were in a "hockey bubble" where we couldn't do anything and couldn't even see others in the same bubble. We had the most restrictions of any NHL team because we were Canadian and lived in Quebec, but we were still expected to follow the NHL and team rules. People were outraged that the hockey team was given special treatment (playing, crossing the border, etc. ), but I don't think they realised how much more difficult life was for the players and their families. Even when visiting the USA, they were not allowed to see anyone or even go outside! The guys were tested daily, sometimes twice a day. The families were tested 2-3 times a week, but not as frequently as the guys. Even when we were doing our job properly, the families felt the weight of the organisation on their shoulders. We were reminded not to be the reason the Habs had to forfeit in the playoffs. In fact, we were nervous to leave our homes, which was the point. On top of that, the families in Montreal couldn't get other family members into Canada to help during this stressful time, and even some of the players' families who stayed behind in the US during the regular season couldn't return yet. It was all so crazy that hearing other teams talk about the «challenging year» made me laugh. The only other team that came close was Vancouver. Having said that, I would do it again and again!

newpage

EXPANSION DRAFT

Holy S%@#, that was a crazy few days.

We decided to leave Carey unprotected during the expansion draught due to his injury and the need for surgery after the playoffs. There was no other choice. We couldn't risk losing Jake, our backup goalie, to Carey's surgery and recovery time. Seattle would have taken him. I wasn't worried � Seattle wouldn't even look at Carey because of his contract, age, and injury � or so we thought. We knew there was a risk, but Seattle is close to home, so it wouldn't be the worst thing. But, as I said, we weren't thinking about it.

I hated that the decision to lift his no trade was made before the injury was revealed. His injury was the reason we lifted his no trade and left him exposed. It hurt my heart to read that we wanted to leave Montreal. I was thrilled to learn Carey would need surgery the next day, but Carey's agent called to say Seattle wasn't concerned about his injury and a possible pickup was possible. So I spent the next few days on Twitter, reading everything and overthinking everything. When I realized we were definitely going to Seattle, I started mentally preparing and even talking about it. Just in case. Being only 3 hours away from home had its advantages � I could be there for every holiday and my parents could visit on weekends. That could be fun with all my Seattle friends and family! And being in the US during COVID would make my life a lot easier. I was mentally hyping it up to the point of thinking �why wouldn't we want to go to Seattle?'

We were flying to New York the next day and it was the night before the draught. Carey's agent called to remind him to bring his phone tomorrow. If Seattle accepts him, we will cancel our trip to New York and fly to Seattle. Then it hit me. I was shocked and told Carey not to wear a Kraken jersey to the draught party and parade around in front of everyone! What a disservice to all Habs fans and the team! We talked about how it's a business and players get traded all the time. That made sense, but it didn't feel right. I couldn't imagine Carey doing that. Playing in Seattle would make our lives easier, but our hearts, and mine, are with the Canadiens.

Now that it's over, I can say it was quite the mindf***. It was strange to have your world dependent on a game of chicken. I pity the families who have to endure it multiple times during their son's career.

newpage

NEW YORK - CAREY'S SURGERY

We headed to NY for Carey to have knee surgery. We had a good idea during the hockey season that it was needed, but put it off as long as possible.

We decided after the hockey season ended. While we were still in Montreal, the doctors hoped to use a scope to repair his injury and clean it up, but we were warned to expect a more extensive surgery with a much longer recovery time. We would have preferred to wait longer to enjoy some downtime, but with the unknown outcome, everyone wanted Carey to have the surgery as soon as possible. I knew we couldn't travel with Carey on crutches, so we postponed the surgery and flew to Kelowna. We visited our home renovation there before returning to the States to pick up the kids. That meant I could accompany Carey to New York for his surgery. Carey's surgery went perfectly and now he just needs a few months of rehab to get his knee back to normal!

People have asked about our NY trip, and while we didn't do much, I'm happy to oblige! The Mark Hotel. It was beautiful and right next to Central Park! Carey could get out of the hotel, crutch to a park bench, and people watch. We went to the most well-known restaurants because I had done no research. Nobu and Catch were our favorites. Nobu on 57th was the least impressive Nobu I've been to, but the food was amazing as always. But I'd go back to Nobu downtown next time. It's in the Meat Packing District, my favorite part of Manhattan. I'd definitely recommend eating at Catch and spending the evening there. The food was superb. It was mostly doctor's visits, PT visits, Uber Eats, and Netflix in the hotel room.