Quick Reaction: NHL's COVID Situation
(Jeff Roberson/AP) via sportsnet
In states where it is allowed, NHL teams are allowing a reduced number of fans to come enjoy the game of hockey in person. This may be an unpopular opinion, but I think that no fans looks a whole lot better than a 25% filled stadium on TV.
I was watching the Lightning vs. Blackhawks game last week, and they aren’t allowing fans in right now, so they have those seat covers that we saw in the bubble arenas over the summer. Then, when the Blackhawks went to play Florida, they were allowing fans. Not that Florida would have a lot of fans anyways, but it looked embarrassingly empty.
I know it can’t be an all or nothing situation, and I know that teams need the hockey related revenue. It just looked a little weird on TV and was honestly sort of distracting seeing all of the empty seats.
In other COVID related NHL news, the Washington Capitals were fined after breaking protocol of having teammates gathered in a hotel room. Alex Ovechkin’s wife went OFF on social media, and honestly, she made some solid points.
This post occurred after the team was fined $100,000 for breaking COVID-19 protocols.
Players aren’t wearing masks or social distancing on the bench during a game, but god forbid a few players hangout in a hotel room together! From my point of view, I get that they have to have these protocols and consequences, but it’s hard to justify one over the other like that.
The season just started and games are already having to be rescheduled, it’s a mess. I think that the baseball style format of play will benefit teams that have to reschedule since there is time in between series. I am just nervous that not every team is going to get a full 56 games, and with that, how is the league going to handle the playoffs?
It seems to be working itself out right now, so at this point, it is just a waiting game. Teams never know when COVID is going to take their top players or their whole team out, so honestly, the Stanley Cup could be up for grabs.