2020 NHL Thread: Puck off!

[The Incredible Hulk]

https://www.si.com/nhl/2020/04/06/nhl-game-locations-north-dakota-season-resumes-coronavirus

Report: NHL Considering North Dakota for Possible Games Site if Season Resumes

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Sunday that the league has tossed around the idea of finishing its 2019-20 season and postseason in North Dakota if games could take place. The University of North Dakota's Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks is among the places under consideration. The arena has an 11,640 seating capacity, but additional sites would be required.

The NHL and NHLPA are expected to discuss other potential locales this week. The timetable for when hockey or other sports could resume remains unknown amid the coronavirus pandemic.

 

[Donner]

Colby Cave of the Edmonton Oilers has passed away at the age of 25.

 

[The Incredible Hulk]

NHL’s new return plan: Go straight to 24-team Stanley Cup playoff

https://nypost.com/2020/05/07/nhl-restart-would-go-directly-into-24-team-stanley-cup-tournament/

It will never happen, but I don't hate the idea

 

[Immortalfire]

It sucks, but they need to go ahead and officially announce their season is kaput. Time is not on their side.

 

[Lantern Venom]

It sucks, but they need to go ahead and officially announce their season is kaput. Time is not on their side.

Supposedly the league is committed to having the playoffs. I want to believe that they've figured out a way to do that safely, but I'm skeptical.

 

[SVSuperman]

I want hockey back Philly was close to a cup!

 

[Donner]

So it looks like the playoffs are happening. And my hometown of Edmonton is a front runner to host.

And Draisaitl won the Art Ross.

 

[The Incredible Hulk]

I honestly think it's almost 100% guaranteed to be Vegas and Toronto, but we'll see.

The NHL likely should put both hubs in Canada based on COVID risk alone, but they apparently really like the ability to bubble the players in Vegas. Plus I think it's an easier sell to the NHLPA.

 

[Pink Ranger]

My least favorite suggestion of the possible names is the one they chose, typical. Dumb name, generic logo, hard pass on me buying that jersey.

 

[Webfoot Hero]

Their uniforms, colors, and logos are okay but they picked the most flavor-of-the-moment, gimmicky name of the bunch.

 

[Pink Ranger]

I never understood how Kraken became the odds-on favourite to begin with. Has there been an explosion in giant squid interest in the United States that I haven't been aware of?

 

[Lantern Venom]

It's almost time. I'm ready for some hockey, but I hope the highest level of caution is used.
NHL return to play: Stanley Cup Playoffs qualifying round schedule, game times, exhibition information

 

[Pink Ranger]

I don't know what to expect, honestly. The Canucks at the start of the play-in round look like a different team than at the beginning of the regular season, and even at their last game before the pandemic. We have Toffoli now, Ferland and Roussel are back, and Virtanen and Eriksson are likely sitting in the press box. Anything can happen with this team.

 

[Donner]

I never understood how Kraken became the odds-on favourite to begin with. Has there been an explosion in giant squid interest in the United States that I haven't been aware of?

Their Twitter bio would be hilarious if it didn't make me nervous.

 

[The Incredible Hulk]

exhibition games start today at 4 PM EDT

 

[Themanofbat]

Playoff predictions

Carolina in 3
Edmonton in 4
Islanders in 3
Penguins in 4
Calgary in 5
Arizona in 5
Toronto in 4
Vancouver in 4

 

[STARMAN]

Currently watching Islanders vs Panthers. Islanders dominating play halfway through first and up 1-0.

 

[Themanofbat]

Blackhawks dominating the Oilers 6-2 going into the 3rd.
This pleases me, but I am surprised.

 

[STARMAN]

Felt like Islanders controlled much of the game despite only winning 2-1.

 

[STARMAN]

I plan to watch the Islanders game if my power doesn't go out.

 

[Donner]

The Oilers Foundation 50/50 raffle got to $5.4 million tonight. It broke records.

 

[STARMAN]

Panthers showed some life. Islanders still lead series 2-1.

 

[Pink Ranger]

C'mon guys, give Marky the shutout.

 

[Pink Ranger]

Petterson has this insane hybrid slapshot/onetimer that's unbelievable to see in action.

 

[Dr. Evil]

I hear that the field is wide open in the NHL Bubble. If that's the case, I am rooting for a Stanley Cup finals similar to 2018 where both teams are looking for their first. I watched the last two Stanley Cups for that reason alone.