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!
