Well it is finally nice to have something to talk about during this unprecedented time.

Gary Bettman and the NHL brass have been working tirelessly from the moment the season was shut down prematurely back in March. They all along have had plans to complete the season in some form to create a playoff setup that would produce a legitimate Stanley Cup champion.

The new format which was announced today will have the Wild up against the Canucks in a 5-game play-in series to determine which team will qualify for the playoffs.

The Wild were pretty hot under interim bench boss, Dean Evason, prior to the hiatus, winning 8 of their last 11. Kevin Fiala was blossoming into a bonafide NHL star with 14 goals and 26 points in the Wild's final 18 games.

Alex Stalock had ascended to the starting role in the Wild nets and Mikko Koivu was settling into his role in the 4th line, by playing his most productive hockey of the season. Matt Dumba was beginning to round into form after a slow start following his return from season ending pectoral muscle tear.

There was never going to be a solution that would make all parties happy, but in the end I believe the NHL has gotten this as close to right as they can, all things considered.

Either way you look at this, at the end of the day it looks like we will have a continuation of the season and some amazing playoff hockey in our future.

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