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2020 NHL Bubble

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2020 NHL Bubble
LeagueNational Hockey League
SportIce hockey
Duration
  • Exhibition games:
    July 28–30, 2020
  • Qualifier games:
    August 1–9, 2020
  • Stanley Cup Playoffs:
    August 11-October, 2020
  • Stanley Cup Finals:
    No later than October 4, 2020
Number of teams24
Average attendance0 (live)
TV partner(s)NBC, Sportsnet, CBC
Seeding games
Top seedBoston Bruins
Playoffs
Finals
NHL seasons
Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
Rogers Place in Edmonton.

The 2020 NHL Bubble, known as the Toronto Bubble and the Edmonton Bubble are the isolation zones set up by the National Hockey League (NHL) to protect its players from the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2019–20 season. Twenty-four teams were invited to the two Canadian cities of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and Toronto, Ontario in an attempt to salvage the season that was cut short due to the pandemic. The games began on August 1, 2020.

Background

Main article: 2019–20 NHL season

The NHL halted play in the 2019–20 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, indefinitely postponing the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. In early March 2020, the NHL suspended media access to the locker rooms, saying that only official personnel would be allowed in after the games to limit person-to-person contact. The San Jose Sharks were planning to play three home games without fans from March 19, following San Francisco's order prohibiting assemblies larger than 1,000 individuals.[1] Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets had also proposed to play home games without fans, due to Ohio governor Mike DeWine banning mass gatherings in the state.[2]

But after the National Basketball Association (NBA) suspended all games when two players tested positive for the disease, the NHL scheduled a meeting to discuss pausing the season. On March 12, the morning practice sessions and media access were cancelled for all teams. Shortly after, they announced the 2019–20 season was paused indefinitely.[3][4] It was the biggest interruption to an NHL season since the 2012–13 NHL lockout.[4] On March 17, it was announced that a player from the Ottawa Senators tested positive for COVID-19.[5][6] On March 21, it was announced that a second Senators player tested positive for COVID-19.[7][8] Two Colorado Avalanche players have also tested positive for the virus.[9] On April 4, the originally intended date for the final games of the regular season, Commissioner Gary Bettman participated in a call with President Donald Trump and other sport commissioners on the state of the sport world.[10]

Return to Play Plan

On May 22, the league and the NHLPA agreed on a basic framework to stage a 24-team playoff tournament behind closed doors. The seeds would be based on each club's points percentage when the season paused on March 12 (effectively scrapping the remainder of the regular season). The top four seeds in each conference earned a first-round bye, while the next eight seeds in each conference would play in a best-of-five series. Many of the logistics still have to be negotiated, including COVID-19 testing protocols, visas, and whether these games will be held in one or more "hub" cities as the Canada–United States border remains closed to non-essential travel until June 21.[11][12][13] That same day, the U.S. government announced that foreign athletes would be exempted from pandemic-related travel bans still in effect.[14][15]

The league began to resume its season with four phases:

  • Phase 1 took place from March 12 to June. On May 25, the NHL announced "phase 2" of its "Return to Play Plan", which is to begin at some point in June. Players would be allowed to resume use of team practice facilities in small groups (no more than six), with only players allowed on-ice and no other agents or press admitted. Players must self-isolate for 14 days if they use public transport, and will be regularly monitored and tested for COVID-19. If a player tests positive, they may not attend training until cleared, with teams suggested to use guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Training camps (phase 3) are planned to reopen after July 1.[citation needed] The next day, Bettman formally discussed aspects of the "Return to Play Plan", including the proposed 24-team playoff format (with the top four teams in each conference playing a round robin tournament under regular season overtime rules to determine their seeds), and modifications to the procedures for the Draft Lottery. Whether the first and second round proper will use a best-of-five format as opposed to seven is to be determined, the conference finals and Stanley Cup Finals will each remain a best-of-seven series. Bettman stated that at least two hub cities would be used for the playoffs, shortlisting hosts such as Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Toronto (the latter two of which would be chosen by the league on July 1). Health, testing, and security protocols would be in place at these sites. As Canadian law requires all travellers entering the country to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stated that this may impact the ability to use Canadian host cities unless these issues can be addressed.[citation needed] On June 4, it was announced that the NHL and NHLPA had approved aspects of the format that had not yet been finalized during the May 26 briefing, with the first and second rounds proper using a best-of-seven format as usual, and all teams being reseeded after the first two rounds (to account for the lack of home advantage due to all games being played at a neutral site).[16] It was reported that the NHL planned to have one American host and one Canadian host.[17] As Canada's Quarantine Act currently requires all travellers entering the country to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stated that this may impact the ability to use Canadian host cities unless these issues can be addressed.[citation needed] On June 10, British Columbia Premier John Horgan stated that the province's medical officer Bonnie Henry had endorsed proposed protocols developed by the Vancouver Canucks in collaboration with local officials, and that they were being sent to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for federal approval.[18] These include allowing the NHL to "cohort" players and restrict their access to the general public.[19]
  • Phase 2 of the "Return to Play Plan" began on June 8.[20] Players are allowed to resume use of team practice facilities in small groups (no more than six), with only players allowed on-ice and no other agents or press admitted. Players must self-isolate for 14 days if they use public transport, and will be regularly monitored and tested for COVID-19. If a player tests positive, they may not attend training until they have been cleared, with teams suggested to use guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • Training camps (phase 3) were planned to reopen on July 10.[citation needed] In this stage, teams can operate the equivalent of real NHL training camps, with "full team activities on and off the ice." Players, coaches and hockey operations staff can have direct interactions as they would during any normal season. Up to 30 playoff-eligible skaters will be allowed to participate, plus an unlimited number of goalies. Social distancing remains in effect off the ice.[21][22]
  • Phase 4: Each of the teams in the two hub cities will be stationed in 'Secure Zones.' Per the NHL's Phase 4 document, the Secure Zones will consist of "hotel(s), dining destinations, the arena, the practice facility(ies), and other demarcated areas (indoor and outdoor). Anyone not working or staying within a Secure Zone will not be permitted to enter. 52 people per team, including on- and off-ice members. Rosters will be capped at 31 players including goalies. In total, including ownership, executives, coaches, hockey operations and training staff, each team can bring a maximum of 52 people inside the Secure Zones. With 12 teams playing in each hub city, that's 624 team members per city. People coming and going from the Secure Zones, such as arena and hotel personnel, will have to undergo daily testing and wear protective facial covering inside and outside the Secure Zones. They will also be required to refrain from activities in groups of 10 or more people. NHL team members will only be allowed to leave the Secure Zone for specific exceptions such as medical consultations or family emergencies. Upon return, they'll need at least four consecutive negative COVID-19 PCR tests over a four-day period and will have to quarantine in their individual hotel rooms until that happens. Anyone who leaves the Secure Zone without permission will face consequences ranging from 14-day quarantine to being dismissed outright from participating in Phase 4. Family members won't be allowed in the Secure Zones for the qualifying round, round-robin, Round of 16 or Round of 8, but players will be allowed to invite immediate family members to stay with them during the conference finals and Stanley Cup final. No guests will be allowed inside the Secure Zones for all of Phase 4.[21][23]

Amidst an intense growth of new cases in Florida, the Tampa Bay Lightning temporarily closed their training facility on June 19 after several staff members and three players tested positive for COVID-19.[24] On June 24, Sportsnet reported that Vancouver's bid had been complicated by disagreements over protocols for positive cases. The next day, Global BC's Richard Zussman reported that the NHL had "moved on [for now]" from Vancouver, and was increasing its focus on Edmonton and Toronto as potential sites.[25] While Las Vegas was initially considered a front-runner, a spike of cases in Nevada and other U.S. states led to reports on July 1 that the NHL had decided on Edmonton and Toronto as the sites.[26][17]

On July 10, the NHL confirmed that it had ratified agreements with the NHLPA to begin the playoffs on August 1 (concluding no later than early October), with games being hosted by Edmonton (Western Conference early rounds, conference finals, and Stanley Cup finals) and Toronto (Eastern Conference early rounds). The league also renewed its CBA for four additional seasons, which includes an increase to minimum player salaries and a 10% deference of player salaries for the 2020–21 season (to be paid out over three seasons beginning 2022–23).[27][28]

Media impact

Section 'Media' not found

Teams/Results

Main article: 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs

Playoff teams

The following teams qualified for the playoffs:[29]

Eastern Conference

Seeding Round Robin
  1. Boston Bruins, Atlantic Division champions, Eastern Conference regular season champions, Presidents' Trophy winners – .714
  2. Tampa Bay Lightning – .657
  3. Washington Capitals, Metropolitan Division champions – .652
  4. Philadelphia Flyers – .645
Qualifying Round
  1. Pittsburgh Penguins – .623
  2. Carolina Hurricanes – .596
  3. New York Islanders – .588
  4. Toronto Maple Leafs – .579 (28 RWs)
  5. Columbus Blue Jackets – .579 (25 RWs)
  6. Florida Panthers – .565
  7. New York Rangers – .564
  8. Montreal Canadiens – .500

Western Conference

Seeding Round Robin
  1. St. Louis Blues, Central Division champions, Western Conference regular season champions – .662
  2. Colorado Avalanche – .657
  3. Vegas Golden Knights, Pacific Division champions – .606
  4. Dallas Stars – .594
Qualifying Round
  1. Edmonton Oilers – .585
  2. Nashville Predators – .565 (28 RWs)
  3. Vancouver Canucks – .565 (27 RWs)
  4. Calgary Flames – .564
  5. Winnipeg Jets – .563
  6. Minnesota Wild – .558
  7. Arizona Coyotes – .529
  8. Chicago Blackhawks – .514

Playoff bracket

Template:2020 Stanley Cup playoffs

Exhibition games

Prior to the start of the playoffs, all 24 qualified teams played one exhibition game.[30]

July 28

Pittsburgh Penguins 2–3 OT Philadelphia Flyers Scotiabank Arena Recap
Toronto Maple Leafs 4–2 Montreal Canadiens Scotiabank Arena Recap
Edmonton Oilers 4–1 Calgary Flames Rogers Place Recap


July 29

Tampa Bay Lightning 5–0 Florida Panthers Scotiabank Arena Recap
Colorado Avalanche 3–2 Minnesota Wild Rogers Place Recap
Carolina Hurricanes 2–3 Washington Capitals Scotiabank Arena Recap
St. Louis Blues 0–4 Chicago Blackhawks Rogers Place Recap
New York Islanders 2–1 New York Rangers Scotiabank Arena Recap
Vancouver Canucks 1–4 Winnipeg Jets Rogers Place Recap


July 30

Nashville Predators 2–0 Dallas Stars Rogers Place Recap
Boston Bruins 1–4 Columbus Blue Jackets Scotiabank Arena Recap
Vegas Golden Knights 4–1 Arizona Coyotes Rogers Place Recap


Locations

Each team is assigned to the following locations in Toronto and Edmonton. From the conference finals, all teams are centralized in Edmonton.[31][32]

Toronto

Venue: Scotiabank Arena - The Coca-Cola Coliseum is used for practice rinks while BMO Field can be used for players for outdoor recreation.[33]

Hotel X Toronto

Fairmont Royal York

Edmonton

Venue: Rogers Place

JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District & Residences

Sutton Place Hotel

See also

References

  1. ^ "CORONAVIRUS IMPACT: SAN JOSE SHARKS TO PLAY 3 GAMES WITHOUT FANS IN MARCH". ABC7News.com. March 11, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
  2. ^ Chick, John (March 11, 2020). "Ohio to ban mass gatherings including sporting events". theScore. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
  3. ^ "NHL pauses regular season because of coronavirus". NHL.com. March 12, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Gaydos, Ryan (March 12, 2020). "NHL suspends 2019-20 season over coronavirus outbreak". Fox News. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
  5. ^ "Senators player tests positive for COVID-19". NHL.com. March 17, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  6. ^ "Ottawa Senators player is first NHLer to test positive for COVID-19". Sportsnet.ca. March 17, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
  7. ^ "A second Sens player tests positive for COVID-19". NHL.com. March 21, 2020. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
  8. ^ Kaplan, Emily (March 21, 2020). "Second Senators player tests positive for coronavirus". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
  9. ^ Elliott, Helene (March 28, 2020). "A second Colorado Avalanche player tests positive for COVID-19". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  10. ^ Bell, Jarrett; Jeff, Zillgitt (April 4, 2020). "Donald Trump to sports commissioners: He's hopeful NFL starts on time". USA Today. McLean, Virginia. Gannett. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  11. ^ Newton, Paul (May 19, 2020). "US-Canada border will remain closed to nonessential travel for at least another month". CNN.com. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  12. ^ "NHLPA authorizes further negotiations on 24-team return to play format". Sportsnet. Toronto. May 22, 2020. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  13. ^ Seravalli, Frank (May 22, 2020). "NHLPA agrees to more talks on League's 24-team Return to Play proposal". TSN.ca. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  14. ^ Zargham, Mohammad (May 22, 2020). "U.S. to exempt foreign athletes from coronavirus-related entry bans". The Globe and Mail. Reuters. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  15. ^ "U.S. opens border to foreign pro athletes". TSN.ca. May 23, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  16. ^ Regan, J.J. (2020-06-04). "NHL, NHLPA resolve two key Stanley Cup playoff issues". NBC Sports Washington. Retrieved 2020-06-11.
  17. ^ a b Kaplan, Emily (2020-07-01). "NHL eyeing Toronto, Edmonton as hub cities for season restart". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2020-07-01.
  18. ^ Johnston, Patrick (2020-06-10). "Horgan gives 'OK' to NHL teams coming to Vancouver for group quarantine". The Province. Retrieved 2020-06-11.
  19. ^ Bell, Jason (2020-06-20). "'Cohort quarantine' gives NHLers a COVID-19 pass". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved 2020-07-01.
  20. ^ "NHL to allow teams to reopen training facilities on June 8 - Sportsnet.ca". Sportsnet. Rogers Sports & Media. June 4, 2020. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  21. ^ a b https://www.si.com/hockey/news/key-takeaways-from-the-nhls-phase-3-and-4-return-to-play-protocol
  22. ^ https://media.nhl.com/site/vasset/public/attachments/2020/07/14032/NHLReturnToSport_Phase3.pdf
  23. ^ https://media.nhl.com/site/vasset/public/attachments/2020/07/14032/NHLReturnToSport_Phase4.pdf
  24. ^ Kaplan, Emily (2020-06-19). "Lightning close facility due to coronavirus outbreak". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2020-06-25.
  25. ^ "NHL exploring Edmonton, Toronto as Canadian hubs after Vancouver 'snag'". Sportsnet. Rogers Sports & Media. Retrieved 2020-06-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  26. ^ Emerson, Justin (2020-07-01). "Rising coronavirus cases could preclude Las Vegas from hosting NHL postseason - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper". lasvegassun.com. Retrieved 2020-07-01.
  27. ^ Johnston, Chris (July 10, 2020). "NHL is back in business with ratification of CBA, return-to-play plan". Sportsnet. Rogers Sports & Media. Retrieved 2020-07-11.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  28. ^ Gulitti, Tom (2020-07-10). "NHL, NHLPA ratify CBA extension through 2025-26 season". NHL.com. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  29. ^ "2019–2020 Standings by Points Percentage". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L. P. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  30. ^ "Exhibition schedule for Stanley Cup Qualifiers". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L. P. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  31. ^ https://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2020/07/these-are-toronto-hotels-each-team-will-be-staying-when-nhl-season-resumes/
  32. ^ https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/nhl-teams-assigned-hotels-toronto-edmonton
  33. ^ https://www.pensburgh.com/2020/7/23/21334828/penguins-nhl-return-to-play-stanley-cup-playoffs-toronto-edmonton-covid-bubble
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