Fans who follow the wives and girlfriends of Montreal Canadiens players on social media know they form a tight-knit group, almost like a team themselves. Their close bond has been evident for some time, with this year’s playoffs seeing them all sporting custom jackets. A few years back, Angela Price and Julie Patley, spouses of players, collaborated to start a clothing line.
In the latest episode of Never Offside, the wives invited their husbands onto the show to discuss various topics. Early on, the players messaged Colecowfield to see who would get a response first. It took over 20 minutes before he called Toffoli, leading to laughs and a playful conclusion that he liked Toffoli better.
Stories shared include how Jeff Petry ended up with a bloodied face during the 2021 playoffs, highlighting the toughness of hockey players. In a series against the Winnipeg Jets, Petry was attacked by Paul Stastny, which resulted in him putting his finger through a hole in the glass and breaking it. At the hospital, he was given a choice: finish the playoffs or get surgery and wear a cast but continue playing. He opted for the cast despite intense pain, gripping it tightly with every vein in his face bulging.
Petry also recounted a harrowing travel experience this season with the Detroit Red Wings during a snowstorm. After eating soup on the plane, his severe peanut allergy caused his throat to swell. Despite multiple Epipen injections, his condition didn’t improve quickly. The plane made an emergency landing to get him immediate help because further injections carried risks.
Though Petry ended his time with the Canadiens under less than ideal circumstances, having requested a trade after his family moved to the US during the pandemic, he was a key part of Montreal’s defense for eight seasons. In 508 games, he scored 248 points and took on major defensive duties during Shea Weber’s frequent injuries.
As for Toffoli, his less than two seasons with the Canadiens still left a strong impression. He earned 70 points in 89 games and played an integral role in Montreal’s 2021 Stanley Cup run, tallying 14 points in 22 playoff games. The trade that sent him to the Flames in February 2022 initiated the Canadiens’ rebuilding phase, netting several draft picks and prospects in return.
The hour-long episode was packed with great stories from both Petry and Toffoli. Fans looking for a laugh should check out Petry’s NHL Combine photos mentioned during the show, which highlighted his unique hairstyle.
Fan Take: This deep dive into players’ personal lives and challenges reveals the resilience and character behind the Canadiens’ heroes, making the sport more relatable and inspiring for fans. It also underscores how trades and team dynamics shape the evolving future of hockey, keeping the game fresh and exciting.
