Bruins on ice next week? Tentative NHL plan is practice by June, playoffs around July - The Boston Globe
The National Hockey League, forced to close its doors March 12 because of the coronavirus pandemic, inched closer to finalizing a return-to-play plan with its players in recent days, raising hopes that game action could resume around July 1 with the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The plan, being forged between the league and the NHL Players’ Association and subject to modification, currently is aimed at getting players back on the ice for small-group practice sessions as early as late next week or by June 1.
The Bruins, who would hope to set up shop at their Brighton training facility — if permissible under the city’s restrictions — would start back with multiple daily skating sessions, each workout group likely limited to six players and accompanying on-ice coaching staff.
In keeping with a number of reports, the league currently is planning to scrap the remaining 189 games on the regular-season schedule and enter directly into the postseason with a playoff pool expanded from 16 to 24 teams, 12 from each conference.
The seven teams to miss the cut, based on points percentage, would be Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Jose, Detroit, Ottawa, New Jersey, and Buffalo.
The Bruins, who owned the league’s best record (44-14-12) when play was suspended 71 days ago, would be one of eight teams (four per conference) with a bye when the postseason begins with eight teams in each conference engaging in a play-in round.
Once into what amounts to the Round of 16, it is expected all series will be best-of-seven, with the Cup Final ending in early September, possibly on Labor Day (Sept. 7). Last year, the Bruins and Blues played Game 7 of the Final at the Garden June 12.
A key factor to all this: COVID-19 testing. It ultimately will dictate whether the timeline remains on course, or whether it must be amended or even scuttled.
“One hundred percent,” said Neely. “And again, the league will never put themselves in front of any others that need [testing], as far as front-line workers and whatnot. But testing is going to be key. Just like all the other sports; they’re going to want to know who’s positive or not.”
On Tuesday, Canada and the US agreed to keep their borders closed for nonessential crossings until June 21, which could serve as an impediment to players seeking to get to their home cities for workouts and training camps. However, given that governmental leaders in both countries have expressed great interest in pro sports restarting, it’s a good bet the ban would be relaxed for NHL players.