Last night when the NBA announced it's season would be suspend until further notice, we all knew it was only a matter of time before the NHL did the same. Today the league officially suspends the NHL 2019/2020 season. No more games, practices, media availability, etc will be available until further notice.
Optimistic people think there is a chance that the season could come back in the next three to four weeks while other pundits have a different opinion. The truth is right now no one has any idea what is going to happen next.
Did the league make the right decision here? Absolutely and as much as fans will be disssapointed and angered by this decision it was the right one to make. Safety and health takes priority over the game. Make no mistake, this is a serious issue threatening the world right now and isn't simply "the flu" as some have tried to suggest.
Where does this leave us? The Edmonton Oilers currently sit 2nd in the Pacific Division with 83 points. If the playoffs started today under the regular format that would mean a Calgary/Edmonton first round which would be absolutely bananas. Their loss to the Jets last night officially put the Jets in a Wild Card position and bumped the Canucks just out. If the regular season is over does this mean the Canucks and Wild are simply out of luck? Will the playoff format be changed due to this? Will there be a Stanley Cup winner for the 2019/2020 season?
There are so many questions and likely dozens more will begin to form as we get more information.
In terms of hockey news and my role here as a blogger, I will continue to write, keep you up to date with any Oilers news that unfolds and come up with some other blogs to keep the debate going and you all entertained.
The great thing about hockey and sports is that it unites people and one way or another we will all get through this together and come out all the stronger for it.
And for God's sake wash your hands and stop touching your face.
As always, thanks for reading.