NHL could return this season, but they might have to go without fans

Recent comments from Dr. Anthony Fauci suggest that while the NHL could be able to return this season, they’d likely have to do it without fans.

The novel coronavirus pandemic has hit the world by storm. It has effectively rendered the United States of America useless, as virtually everyone who isn’t an essential employee has been told to stay at home as much as possible. Without sports, fans are bored. But there’s some good news. The NHL might be able to return this season! But there’s also some bad news – there might not be fans in the stands.

In a recent interview, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who has served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984 and is one of the leading immunology experts, said he thinks sports could return this summer. But it probably isn’t happening with fans.

Fauci believes there will have to be some extreme measures for sports to continue playing. He recommends empty arenas, as mass gatherings are likely still going to be very risky. Also, Fauci says the players would have to be tested every week and likely have to stay at hotels next to, or at least very close to, the arenas to minimize outside contact.

Would It Be Worth It?

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This could be good or bad. Let’s look at both sides. One good thing is that this would keep fans and teams safe while still bringing back sports. Let’s be honest, sports are games and they deserve to be treated as such. But right now, this world needs an escape. Fans are stuck at home and for most of them, life freaking sucks. Sports would give them at least something to look forward to.

Secondly, this would bring back playoff hockey. There’s nothing like playoff hockey. It would be unfortunate if there’s not a Stanley Cup champion this season. Not only that, it would be historical because the last time there wasn’t a Stanley Cup champion (and it wasn’t because of a lockout), you’d have to go back over 100 years.

Fans and players both want to see a champion. It would be awkward as heck if there wasn’t one. Even if the NHL has to wait until October to resume their season, that’s fine. Just make sure a Stanley Cup champion is named. Figure out the rest of the stuff later.

Now, let’s discuss the bad things. The first thing that jumps out to me is this would be a huge hit to the NHL’s revenue. Would it be as big of a hit as no hockey? Nope. But it would still be pretty darn significant. Teams rely heavily on gate receipts to make money. With no fans, there wouldn’t be any gate receipts, concessions, or other arena sales. Sure, they could make back some of that with TV money, but again, teams rely heavily on fans being there.

Secondly, part of what makes playoff hockey so awesome are the fans. No matter what the score is and no matter where the game is being played, the fans are active and engaged in the game. It would be creepy to watch a hockey game without fans. Remember when the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox had to play in an empty stadium? It was fascinating in various ways, but it also lacked energy.

The NHL might be back to resume its season, or at least start its postseason. But they’ll probably have to sacrifice having fans in the stands if they want it to happen any time soon. Is that worth it? That’s a decision NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and the owners must make.