Coronavirus Could Cancel NHL Playoffs


The NHL season is being threatened by the coronavirus and it seems that there is nothing that can be done. Professional leagues in Italy and Switzerland have already begun playing televised games without fans in the crowd. The NHL has also begun taking preventative action and it seems that the protocols in place are increasingly restrictive.
A memo has been sent to all NHL organizations requesting that players and staff limit their interaction with fans. This includes autograph sessions, high-fives and other physical gestures of a similar nature. Moreover, NHL affiliates have been told to halt all non-essential travel outside of North America. If one chooses to travel to a nation impacted by the virus, they shall be quarantined for a period of 14 days before they may return to work.

Beginning today, the NHL will be closing their doors to the media and will only have organized press conferences outside of the locker room. This policy is being implemented on based on the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control.

If this virus progresses, we could see the NHL Playoffs continue without fans, or possibly be cancelled altogether.