The NHL yesterday “shut down” the Bruins and Predators through Christmas due to COVID outbreaks, joining the Flames, Avalanche and Panthers, "which already had been shut down through next week.” The league and NHLPA “agreed to daily testing and other enhanced protocols.” Those changes will “take effect immediately” and last at least through Jan. 1, with an evaluation “no later than Jan. 7” (AP.com, 12/19). Speculation around the league "increased all day Saturday," partly in light of both the Bruins and Predators being placed on pause, that league bosses this weekend “could opt similarly to shut down all franchises through at least the holiday break” (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/19).
SI.com went with the header, “COVID-19 is sidelining players left and right. Here’s what the leagues should do” (SI.com, 12/17).
