Carol Schram: NHL takes another step toward return to play. Adam Gaudette's ready to go. The 24-team format looks like it's locked down as the NHL and its players continue to work on a plan to return to play later this summer. Plenty of questions still need to be answered but Adam Gaudette has a jump on many of his cohorts, as he has found a way to get on the ice.

Davies is turning me into a fan. It seems like there is less diving and faking injuries in the two Bayern games.


I like the crowd less stadium. TV is the way of the future

I don’t understand why the NHL and NHLPA are pushing this agenda but if they’re gonna do it, I hope the “play-in” round and the first round are five game series. For a league that’s predominantly gate driven, in terms of financial wealth, how are zero fans going to increase or stabilize revenue? Must have something to do with TV contracts.

I heard a discussion the other day that to make sure the players are tested safely every day it would take a quarter million tests and many many PPE masks . They were debating how the NHL could justify that when there is a shortage for front line workers
and general public.

They also said they would not isolate a team if some players tested positive. I can't see taking all these precautions and then letting the general public now go shopping , into bars and restaurants . I think the mentality is now let the numbers fall as they will.

ASL may have had a point yesterday , should have infected them all 7 weeks ago

So we lose this years 1st because we made the playoffs?

So we lose this years 1st because we made the playoffs?
- A_SteamingLombardi

If we beat Minny yes . If we lose we keep it.

I'm looking forward to seeing what players will come back completely out of shape.

I'm looking forward to seeing what players will come back completely out of shape.
- A_SteamingLombardi

You thinking a bunch of fat Lefty blobs barely able to skate.

Thanks Carol.

Not sold on Gaudette.

You thinking a bunch of fat Lefty blobs barely able to skate.
- Makita

No, just guys cutting their shifts by half.

I don’t understand why the NHL and NHLPA are pushing this agenda but if they’re gonna do it, I hope the “play-in” round and the first round are five game series. For a league that’s predominantly gate driven, in terms of financial wealth, how are zero fans going to increase or stabilize revenue? Must have something to do with TV contracts.
- Pacificgem

I heard a discussion the other day that to make sure the players are tested safely every day it would take a quarter million tests and many many PPE masks . They were debating how the NHL could justify that when there is a shortage for front line workers
and general public.

They also said they would not isolate a team if some players tested positive. I can't see taking all these precautions and then letting the general public now go shopping , into bars and restaurants . I think the mentality is now let the numbers fall as they will.

ASL may have had a point yesterday , should have infected them all 7 weeks ago
- VANTEL

Or you just take their temperature with those electronic thermometer guns.
Use more intensive tests if you have symptoms?
Surely you don't need to do the swab test daily.

Updated odds to win the Stanley Cup, based on NHL's new 24-team playoff format, from the
@SuperBookUSA
in Las Vegas:

Boston 6/1
Tampa Bay 6/1
Vegas 6/1
Colorado 8/1
St. Louis 10/1
Washington 10/1
Philadelphia 12/1
Dallas 14/1
Pittsburgh 16/1
Toronto 30/1
Nashville 40/1
Edmonton 40/1
Arizona 50/1
Calgary 50/1
Vancouver 50/1
Winnipeg 50/1
Carolina 50/1
NY Islanders 80/1
Florida 80/1
Columbus 80/1
Minnesota 80/1
NY Rangers 80/1
Chicago 100/1
Montreal 1,000/1

Updated odds to win the Stanley Cup, based on NHL's new 24-team playoff format, from the
@SuperBookUSA
in Las Vegas:

Boston 6/1
Tampa Bay 6/1
Vegas 6/1
Colorado 8/1
St. Louis 10/1
Washington 10/1
Philadelphia 12/1
Dallas 14/1
Pittsburgh 16/1
Toronto 30/1
Nashville 40/1
Edmonton 40/1
Arizona 50/1
Calgary 50/1
Vancouver 50/1
Winnipeg 50/1
Carolina 50/1
NY Islanders 80/1
Florida 80/1
Columbus 80/1
Minnesota 80/1
NY Rangers 80/1
Chicago 100/1
Montreal 1,000/1

- VanHockeyGuy

I think Boston is going to be hurt by the layoff. Bergeron Krejci Marchand Rask and Chara are not spring chickens .

Or you just take their temperature with those electronic thermometer guns.
Use more intensive tests if you have symptoms?
Surely you don't need to do the swab test daily.
- dbot

I am not sure but I think you can have the virus and no fever in early stages .

I am not sure but I think you can have the virus and no fever in early stages .
- VANTEL

Sure.
So swab everyone once to start.
Then do cheap/quick check ups as the games go on.

Sure.
So swab everyone once to start.
Then do cheap/quick check ups as the games go on.

- dbot

I think once you agree play you are accepting risk. Don't get me wrong I am not saying not to . My point was people were talking about doing testing daily which I agree can not be done.

You are going to have 500 players and probably 200-300 staff and broadcasters all living normal lives in contact with the public. People will catch the virus but as I said it sounds like they are willing to accept the numbers .

I think once you agree play you are accepting risk. Don't get me wrong I am not saying not to . My point was people were talking about doing testing daily which I agree can not be done.

You are going to have 500 players and probably 200-300 staff and broadcasters all living normal lives in contact with the public. People will catch the virus but as I said it sounds like they are willing to accept the numbers .
- VANTEL

How many of the owners are going to have contact with the public and take the same risks of catching the virus?

@dbot

I think you think testing and then incubation period isnt as bad as what it really is.

I think once you agree play you are accepting risk. Don't get me wrong I am not saying not to . My point was people were talking about doing testing daily which I agree can not be done.

You are going to have 500 players and probably 200-300 staff and broadcasters all living normal lives in contact with the public. People will catch the virus but as I said it sounds like they are willing to accept the numbers .
- VANTEL

Bang on

They agree to play then they have to understand the consequence and risk, which will be massively high.

Daily testing isnt an option.

Bang on

They agree to play then they have to understand the consequence and risk, which will be massively high.

Daily testing isnt an option.
- Codes1087

People think the players will be playing in a protected bubble and they are wrong.

People think the players will be playing in a protected bubble and they are wrong.
- VANTEL

Plexiglass between stalls, water bottles marked and apart, players wearing face masks/eyewear, no hitting or physical contact. None of this is going to be done so they must just come to terms with it if that's what they want to do.