I think the players are also happy this is the last game of the season. The emotional and physical wear and tear of this particular season is at an all time high. You've got:
- A condensed short schedule in the toughest division
- COVID protocols forcing players to isolate from their teammates while on the road in hotel rooms
- The team's youth being away from family for the longest times of their lives, with no visits.
This is the strangest season on record, to on the ice and off the ice issues, in a pandemic. I am hopeful that these guys take this experience and it motivates them even more.
The kids need to go home and see their families and friends, spend time away from it all and decompress. This might be the biggest thing they will need to do. COVID has forced us to miss things we love to do, now imagine doing that away from everyone you know.
I can't wait for this group to get away from it all and get back to their homes and be able to focus on their mental health, come back in October ready to roll in packed arenas and the ability to bond as a team.
