Check in With the Monsters: Bubble Boys
Aug 18, 2020MATISS KIVLENIEKS
Q: What is the most interesting thing about being inside the NHL bubble?
(It’s) probably the way we get to the rinks or restaurants. We have got our own walkway and fence to go to the different places in the bubble.
Q: What are you doing during your downtime with teammates, friends or on your own?
I just hang out with my teammates, play video games and relax.
Q: What were you doing prior to the NHL resuming?
I was working out to stay in shape. I also started reading some books and tried to find new activities to do during the downtime.
Q: What did it feel like for you to get back on the ice for the first time?
It definitely felt weird because it was a long time since I was on the ice. It felt better and more comfortable with more practices.
STEFAN MATTEAU
Q: What is the most interesting thing about being inside the NHL bubble?
Being inside the bubble is like going back to peewee hockey with the best players in the world. Very strange to see everyone in the lobby and at the rinks. It's been great so far and hopefully we continue to do something great with this opportunity.
Q: What are you doing during your downtime with teammates, friends or on your own?
During downtime we have access to Hotel X where there are tennis courts, a pool, pickle ball courts and a nice gym so we spend some time there. Other than that we have ben playing in the golf simulator. For the most part we have been practicing at weird times (mid afternoon) so it breaks up our day and we have been spending a lot of time at the rink.
Q: What were you doing prior to the NHL resuming?
Before the NHL resuming I was back home in Montreal spending time with family and trying to stay as ready as possible.
Q: What did it feel like for you to get back on the ice for the first time?
Being back on the ice for the first time was very strange. I hadn’t skated for about two-and-a-half months and I was rusty to say the least. It felt great to get back on the ice though. Getting back into the routine and skating everyday was a great feeling.
GABRIEL CARLSSON
Q: What is the most interesting thing about being inside the NHL bubble?
Just to be around all the teammates and the other teams. You never know who you are going to bump into or see in the lobby. And it is also cool to see how professionally everything is set up with the the security and testing inside the bubble.
Q: What are you doing during your downtime with teammates, friends or on your own?
I'm going to dinner with my teammates. Hanging out at the patios on the hotel. I've also played tennis a few times. There are a lot of things to do to kill time. The setup is great.
Q: What were you doing prior to the NHL resuming?
I was home in Sweden skating and working out. I also took time to catch up with family and friends back home which was nice.
Q: What did it feel like for you to get back on the ice for the first time?
It felt great to be back on the ice. (It) was a long time without it. So it felt good to get back to all the routines and see all the guys again.