Stanley Cup Playoffs reportedly expected to start July 30
The NHL is aiming to start the Stanley Cup Playoffs at the end of July.
Phase 2 of the NHL’s plan to hopefully return for the Stanley Cup Playoffs is officially underway. Though the league has hit a bit of a snag with several players and staff members testing positive for the novel coronavirus, they’re still moving forward with their plan to return.
According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, the league is targetting July 30 as the start of the postseason. They’re also planning for teams to arrive in their hub city a week before the playoffs start.
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However, those hub cities aren’t finalized yet. The league and the NHLPA are planning on meeting and finalizing the hub cities shortly. Las Vegas is reportedly going to be one, but a recent spike in coronavirus cases might force the league to look elsewhere.
Brooks is reporting the league is looking into having stricter social distancing guidelines to combat the recent second wave of novel coronavirus cases as well. That should help offset the spikes, as long as the league also has a plan for teams in areas that are seeing more cases.
The NHL is a bit of a guinea pig, along with the NBA. They’re the first two major team pro sports leagues who are attempting a comeback. While NASCAR has made a return, it’s obviously easier for NASCAR to ensure proper social distancing and minimize the risk.
Soccer leagues across the world have started their comebacks as well. Also, baseball has started back up in South Korea. However, it’s worth noting they aren’t dealing with North America, which is one of the world’s top hot spots for the novel coronavirus.
Fans and players have understandably been concerned about the safety of everyone. The league seems to have a plan in mind and best of all, they seem to realize changes are needed to their initial plan. But if everything goes right, we’ll have hockey back by the end of July.