Last night, while waiting for some friends, I decided to go into a random bar to escape the cold. The place was reasonably packed with people attentively watching the game on a big screen. I propped myself up onto a stool and became immediately immersed in it myself. I was surprised at how into it I got, despite the fact that I know none of the players in this year’s lineup. Hockey’s a very ingrained habit to a Montrealer.

This morning at brunch, my friend and I were bitching about how, despite the fact that the Canadiens have been on a winning streak, they’ll probably choke when it actually counts. It felt like something we’d said all our lives, but I realized it had been a while since we actually had.

I didn’t miss it while it was gone, but I really appreciate having it back. Montreal actually feels more like home this way.