The coronavirus outbreak forced the National Hockey League (NHL) to conduct its 2020 Stanley Cup playoff tournament in the cities of Edmonton and Toronto. This was in spite of the fact that the border was closed to traffic coming from the United States. However, the government allowed American teams to enter the country so that the league could finish its season in a timely manner.
The Playoffs Were Postponed Until August
Traditionally, the Stanley Cup playoffs begin in April and end at some point in June. However, the NHL had to postpone its season in March as lockdown orders were enforced throughout much of the United States and Canada. The playoff format was also changed to include 12 teams from each conference as opposed to eight. This was done in an effort to restore competitive balance in a year that saw some teams play more regular season games than others.
Teams Had Limited Exposure to the Outside World
As a general rule, players, coaches and staff were confined to a restricted area when they were not on the ice. Family members and friends were not allowed to accompany team personnel to the bubbles that were set up in both of the host cities. Furthermore, the games were played in arenas that were largely empty except for players, coaches and members of the media.
Players Complained of Mental Fatigue
Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask opted out of the playoffs a few days after they had begun. He claimed that life inside of the bubble was putting too much strain on his mental health. While most players chose to stay and play for the Stanley Cup, Rask was not the only one who mentioned the mental toll of playing in near isolation. It is unlikely that the league will begin the 2020-2021 season until teams are allowed to play in their own arenas.
The Pandemic Caused a Significant Financial Loss for the League
Money is a key reason why the NHL won’t begin the following season until fans are allowed back into arenas. Unlike soccer, football or other sports, hockey primarily relies on revenue generated through ticket sales to finance operations. Therefore, if fans aren’t allowed to attend games, it makes little sense from a business perspective to return to action. It is likely that the NHL salary cap will be reduced over the next year or two as a result of the cash that the league has lost in 2020.
Although many sacrifices had to be made to complete the 2020 NHL season, most players and fans were simply glad to have an opportunity to do so. While there is no telling when the league will start play again, there will likely be millions of people in Canada and elsewhere waiting to cheer on their favorite players and teams.
