Another week, another COVID-19 related postponement. This time, it’s the Vegas Golden Knights, who postponed their game against the St Louis Blues last night after a player and a coach were both added to the COVID protocol list. The Golden Knights also temporarily closed all their training facilities, in what all signs point to becoming a routine occurrence this season. Only three teams (Dallas, Carolina, and now Las Vegas) have actually had to postpone games, but that’s not counting canceled practices or players missing time, which has been a widespread problem throughout the league. As cliched as it is to talk about something being “the new normal,” there’s now something (scarily) mundane about a player removed from the lineup for virus-related reasons, or a potential schedule disruption based on anticipated test results.

It’s not just the players and coaches, either—protocols around COVID-19 are causing disruptions in scheduling for officials too. For some reason, it never occurred to me that obviously if NHL referees/linesmen weren’t available they’d do what they do for players and call someone up from the minors, but that’s apparently the procedure!

ICYMI

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Stuff We Didn’t Write

Golden Knights vs Blues postponed after Vegas player, coach enter COVID protocol | The Star
The Vegas Golden Knights’ NHL game against the St. Louis Blues scheduled for tonight has been postponed.

Penguins warily carry on after GM Rutherford’s abrupt exit | The Star
PITTSBURGH - Sidney Crosby is used to change. More than 15 years in the NHL has taught the Pittsburgh Penguins longtime captain that it's simply part ...

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Down Goes Brown: Mailbag: Hockey trades, rivalry overkill and expansion near misses

Why are the Flyers struggling to drive play at 5-on-5? - Broad Street Hockey
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Chicago Blackhawks latest news: Madison Bowey signed to 2-year deal - Second City Hockey
Chicago added to an already crowded defensive group.

The Leafs’ Mitch Marner decided to shoot more this season, and he’s shot right to the top | The Star
The forward entered Wednesday tied for the NHL scoring with his shoot-first, or at least shoot-more-often, mentality.

Cancellation, Covid Wreak Havoc on Officials’ Schedule
These are unprecedented times, which result in some interesting circumstances in the NHL - including referees suiting up as linesmen this week.

From The Branches