Rangers return to game action, modified COVID protocols, WJC canceled (IIHF)

IIHF

Rangers return to game action, modified COVID protocols, WJC canceled

By Jan Levine

Dec 29, 2021 • 6:29 pm

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The Rangers, after not playing since falling 3-2 to Vegas in a shootout on December 17, return to game action tonight. Their opponent, a formerly shorthanded Florida team, should have all their players back off COVID protocol, meaning that the Blueshirts will face Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau and Aaron Ekblad. New York will be without Kevin Rooney and Ryan Lindgren, each sidelined due to covid protocols.

New York kicks off a rough stretch of game tonight in the Sunshine State. Following the contest against the Panthers, the Blueshirts have a home-and-home versus the Lightning. Game 1 is in Tampa on Friday while Game 2 is Sunday at MSG at 12:30pm. The Rangers play again the following night, facing the Oilers also at home before departing on a five-game road trip, four of which are on the West Coast. Included in that swing are the three games in Southern California.

Hard to break down these games due to such a long absence. The good news is that Igor Shesterkin will be back between the pipes. Zac Jones and Tim Gettinger, recently added to the taxi squad, traveled with the team to Florida. possibility exists Jones could be the sixth d-man while Gettinger replaces Greg McKegg as the 12th forward, but neither looks likely as of now.

The Rangers have begun their #30daysof30 leading up to the Henrik Lundqvist jersey retirement on January 28. Larry Brooks wrote yesterday that the team should consider postponing the event. The rationale makes sense, but given the logistics that goes into planning any event, let alone a jersey retirement, coupled with the ticket prices paid on the secondary market, puts this possibility as remote.

"Because in this time of global uncertainty, can the Rangers go ahead with the plan to fete The King as scheduled if his parents, family and friends are unable to make the trip to New York from Sweden? Is it appropriate to hold these festivities if it becomes a hardship for Lundqvist’s guests to attend?

Should the organization go full steam ahead if the ceremony needs to be pared down to conform with COVID-related protocols? Is that fair to Lundqvist?"

A few bits of major news today: The NHL and NHLPA agreed to modify COVID Protocol, shortening isolation period to 5 days with a negative test - IF allowed by local health authorities. The NHL is now in line with CDC guidelines, but that the bolded piece is the key. For example, if Calgary tests positive in Alberta, however, they will still have to quarantine for 10 days as per Alberta Health Services regulations. A discrepancy in approach between the two countries.

The IIHF canceled the World Junior tournament today. Two positive cases yesterday forced the US to forfeit their game. Today, Finland was set to do the same. Last year, the teams were in a complete bubble, enabling the completion of the tournament. This year, it was a modified bubble, and as seen from the tweet stream by Chris Peters, protocols have been a moving target while the environment is far from secure.

You could argue, that's life and that the potential revenue from having up to 7,000 fans was a worthy reason to not go into full lockdown. In addition, I understand the view that some may have that even with the positive tests the tourney should go on. But, the Canadian government does not have that view and the players are the ones who end up the loser. A rumor exists that the tourney could be played this summer. Personally, sounds great in theory but unsure realistic in practice given scheduling and probable drafting of several players, unless they do it before the draft and then injury concerns would be prevalent. If they do pull it off, the tourney better be accompanied with one for the women, who had theirs slated for January canceled.

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