Hope all the dads/father figures out there had a nice Father's Day. I have a lot of fond memories of early morning trips to the rink with my dad, followed by getting a Snapple from the run-down vending machine after morning practice. Much simpler times back then...
Does It Happen?
I think the main question on everyone's mind right now with the recent developments with Austin Matthews and a number of Lightning players/staff contracting Coronavirus is: will hockey actually be back?
An excerpt from a
New York Times article that ran earlier today says:
"As per the NHL on Friday, 11 players have tested positive for COVID-19 since June 8. The Lightning temporarily closed its practice facility after three players and an additional number of support personnel tested positive. It is believed that four players skating as part of a 12-man group in Arizona, though not at the Coyotes’ facility, tested positive and are now in quarantine-mode.
In light of these events and the seeming resurgence of the virus in the absence of a cogent national strategy to combat it, social distancing was a topic of conversation at the meeting, with GMs told that players and staff “are not to be going to restaurants and clubs.”
Per the directive, 'Players and staff are not to socialize outside the facility in numbers that exceed social distancing guidelines and safe social distancing is to be kept at all times. In Ontario, that number is 10 people. We have discussed this on all calls and in many emails, but as you see the spikes within certain teams in hockey, baseball and college football today—this needs to be stressed further.'"
These recent developments no doubt throw a wrench into the league's plans for a return to play - or at least could potentially set things back further. Add on top of that that the idea there is most likely more players that will get it, and one has to wonder if some players/staff are beginning to re-think this season and whether or not the risk/protocols are worth it.
Heck, the NBA seemed like they were ready to go, but trickles of player opposition (out of fear of getting it) have begun to accumulate over the past week or so, and it seems like they're now in a position where they might have to re-think things.
Then there's the MLB...don't even get me started on that one...
And the NFL might not be able to start in September unless they figure out a way to adopt/implement strong isolation and testing protocols.
So when it comes to pro sports, it all feels very much up in the air again. Which is a shame considering that it felt like we were on the path to getting things going again.
What do you guys think will happen?
I think they'll continue moving it forward. Perhaps the biggest question for Florida's return lies with this guy. Has this time off helped him refocus to be able to come out swinging?
Only time will tell...
Numbers Nerds
I know there's a lot of numbers nerds out there and the Cats posted a fun
articlethat breaks down some of the impressive numbers thus far in the 2019-20 season.
As a big fan of guys that sellout to block shots, the below number is my personal favorite.
"103: The number of shots Noel Acciari blocked. It's possible that no one on the Panthers had a better season than Acciari. Joining the team this past summer on three-year contract, the former Bruins forward went on to set career-highs in goals (20) and points (27), while also leading the team in hits (121) and blocks (103). Additionally, his 103 blocked shots also ranked first among all NHL forwards. As previously mentioned, the 28-year-old also made history when he recorded back-to-back hat tricks in December. "Wherever I'm plugged in, I'm going to play the same game and do what I can do to help out the team and the line," Acciari said. "It's been working out for whatever line I've been on." Discovering his scoring touch in South Florida, he'd scored just 18 career goals in 180 games over his previous four campaigns with Boston from 2015-19."
I'd agree with the excerpt that Acciari has been the best Cat this season. H's a Swiss Army knife...the guy does everything!
Lindsay's Still Got It
It's always fun when past cats check in. Seeing this video of Bill Lindsey demonstrating a simple stick-handling drill as part of the #HOCKEYATHOME initiative brought a smile to my face - especially since he's rocking a Titan while doing it!
Here’s an old Tweet to think about...
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