Just hoping none of the players are dealing with respiratory complications that can occur from covid. And having more time to make sure everybody is healthy but also letting them get some practices in since everybody will need to get back into game shape.

Just hoping none of the players are dealing with respiratory complications that can occur from covid. And having more time to make sure everybody is healthy but also letting them get some practices in since everybody will need to get back into game shape.
- Pomegrant

Indeed. Obviously health is beyond the top concern with these players and families.

But its not just about being able to fill out a roster. They have a taxi squad so that teams can cover small problems. But if you have to dig deeper than that, its probably just best to put a pause on the season to ensure everyone's safety. That's why Blackwood, Zajac, and and Palmieri going on the list didn't cancel any games. And that's on top of it being practically impossible to have an AHL season if you'd have whole teams called up and the logistics of it all would be a nightmare and super costly for an inferior product.
- rmdevil313

I understand, but now we are delving not into secondary exposure, but tertiary. If we are going to that extent, then we should just cancel the season. I don't want to run things like this. We have enough professional hockey players in the system that have not have secondary exposures, and would love the opportunity is all. We can go on and on about how you "can never be too safe", but I know there are enough guys separated and quarantined, and testing negative to fill our a roster. We'd probably get stomped by teams, but if we want more than 25 games this year then we'd better start getting familiar with the guys in our system.

Just hoping none of the players are dealing with respiratory complications that can occur from covid. And having more time to make sure everybody is healthy but also letting them get some practices in since everybody will need to get back into game shape.
- Pomegrant

I agree with this sentiment. Luckily, the majority of athletes coming in contact with Covid are surprised to find that they even had it. There are some instances where that is not the case. The biggest threat is that they simply play host and spread this to someone much more vulnerable. The daily rapid testing surely has been working fantastic thus far, and hopefully the boys can play by the bubble protocols and help this season carry in safely.

Up to 19 players on the covid list now. Nobody came off from yesterday but Carrick and Vatanen went back on and Nico is now on as well

Nolan Foote just scored his first pro goal!

Bingo wins its season opener 4-3. Some good debuts for the young kids. OT game winner for Reilly Walsh for his first pro goal, first pro goal and assist for Nolan Foote, and first 2 pro assists for Michael Vukojevic

After watching the Superbowl, I've come around to thinking it is complete insanity to allow pro sports and not vaccinate the players. I'm morally against them 'jumping the line' but it seems wrong to allow them to play under these conditions.

Right now NJ is prioritizing SMOKERS (over 16) to get vaccinated. If we can do that we can vaccinate pro sports athletes who are playing in dangerous conditions.

I use to smoke. I have nothing against smokers. But if you don't care enough about your health to stop smoking nobody should have to wait for you to get vaccinated before they do.

Seems like Hextall will be the next Pens GM. No more drama about Fitz possibly leaving and going there

Seems like Hextall will be the next Pens GM. No more drama about Fitz possibly leaving and going there
- vlongo4419

I'm just looking forward to them signing anyone as GM no named Tom Fitzgerald. I'm not sure how great a GM Fritzy actually is, but this team can use the stability and he seems to be doing a fine job.

Hextall in Pittsburgh would be an interesting story line considering how much they hate the Flyers; but really just hope the Penguins suck for a while...

I'm just looking forward to them signing anyone as GM no named Tom Fitzgerald. I'm not sure how great a GM Fritzy actually is, but this team can use the stability and he seems to be doing a fine job.

Hextall in Pittsburgh would be an interesting story line considering how much they hate the Flyers; but really just hope the Penguins suck for a while...
- Queenie_5_hole

It's official now. Pens announce Hextall as GM and Brian Burke as president of hockey ops

After watching the Superbowl, I've come around to thinking it is complete insanity to allow pro sports and not vaccinate the players. I'm morally against them 'jumping the line' but it seems wrong to allow them to play under these conditions.

Right now NJ is prioritizing SMOKERS (over 16) to get vaccinated. If we can do that we can vaccinate pro sports athletes who are playing in dangerous conditions.

I use to smoke. I have nothing against smokers. But if you don't care enough about your health to stop smoking nobody should have to wait for you to get vaccinated before they do.
- Queenie_5_hole

This smoking thing can't be true, can it? There is so much wrong with that concept I don't know where to begin.

This smoking thing can't be true, can it? There is so much wrong with that concept I don't know where to begin.
- redmonsters

look at the world around you. it's only getting more and more asinine. To add insult to ..insult.. the hypocrisy is relentless. I'm legitimately not looking forward to where we'll be in 20 years, if 10 years doesn't bring enough disaster and stupidity. No, I don't want things to be ultra-conservative (if one were to assume I hate the left).. just not ultra-stupid (which is regardless of political party). I feel like half the country's brains have been turned to mush and the media of all sides (including celebrities and sports "icons") can literally tell any story they want and half the country will believe them while the other half is shamed for thinking independently. It's incredible to see how far this phenomena reaches. I'm not saying everything these people say is false, but the point remains.

The smoking thing is tough. Regardless if people stop smoking now or not, they're respiratory system is still dramatically compromised. Should they be "punished" for their self-harming coping skills/decision-making by not being bumped up the list? I just hope, and would like to believe (since I don't care enough to research), that elderly and other high-risk people have a spot before smokers under 40 years of age.

look at the world around you. it's only getting more and more asinine. To add insult to ..insult.. the hypocrisy is relentless. I'm legitimately not looking forward to where we'll be in 20 years, if 10 years doesn't bring enough disaster and stupidity. No, I don't want things to be ultra-conservative (if one were to assume I hate the left).. just not ultra-stupid (which is regardless of political party). I feel like half the country's brains have been turned to mush and the media of all sides (including celebrities and sports "icons") can literally tell any story they want and half the country will believe them while the other half is shamed for thinking independently. It's incredible to see how far this phenomena reaches. I'm not saying everything these people say is false, but the point remains.

The smoking thing is tough. Regardless if people stop smoking now or not, they're respiratory system is still dramatically compromised. Should they be "punished" for their self-harming coping skills/decision-making by not being bumped up the list? I just hope, and would like to believe (since I don't care enough to research), that elderly and other high-risk people have a spot before smokers under 40 years of age.
- MartysBetter88

I'm guessing the thinking is that if you smoke you are more likely to get sicker from it and wind up taking up a hospital bed when they are trying to get hospitalization numbers down?

I'm guessing the thinking is that if you smoke you are more likely to get sicker from it and wind up taking up a hospital bed when they are trying to get hospitalization numbers down?
- smellmyfinger

yeah, it makes sense and all. I'm living in Indy and out here we have plenty of people who bought into the hoax bullpoop or just didn't care and a lot of those people are going to get vaccinated before me because I'm in the lowest risk group. Just feels like poop because I've been really careful when most other people couldn't give a (frank).

I'm guessing the thinking is that if you smoke you are more likely to get sicker from it and wind up taking up a hospital bed when they are trying to get hospitalization numbers down?
- smellmyfinger

yurp. hate this virus. as if life wasn't stressful enough. thankful everyone on my end has been okay so far, though my folks know several who have died from it, half of them pretty healthy and in their 50s-60s. hope you guys are okay.

I'm guessing the thinking is that if you smoke you are more likely to get sicker from it and wind up taking up a hospital bed when they are trying to get hospitalization numbers down?
- smellmyfinger

I understand the logic there, but shouldn't the logic be - "We are in a pandemic. Stop smoking because it will only make things worse for you and others because of your poor choice." And then continue to prioritize based on the science/risk. In other words, why should I and my family be penalized by having to wait for a shot while someone who made poor life decisions gets rewarded?

I understand the logic there, but shouldn't the logic be - "We are in a pandemic. Stop smoking because it will only make things worse for you and others because of your poor choice." And then continue to prioritize based on the science/risk. In other words, why should I and my family be penalized by having to wait for a shot while someone who made poor life decisions gets rewarded?
- redmonsters

I'm fine with prioritizing elderly, health care workers, and other groups. It just gets a little nuts with this micromanaging. If you put down that you are a smoker or obese (not grossly obese, just based on BMI) you can get priority; and you don't have to prove it.

Hopefully if the J&J vaccine is approved and once local pharmacies like CVS begin giving shots the situation improves for everyone.

TOTALLY ANGRY that our politicians got access including the ones downplaying this and calling it a hoax. Then they have the balls to get the vaccine and say they are doing it to set a good example and show it's safe.....

I understand the logic there, but shouldn't the logic be - "We are in a pandemic. Stop smoking because it will only make things worse for you and others because of your poor choice." And then continue to prioritize based on the science/risk. In other words, why should I and my family be penalized by having to wait for a shot while someone who made poor life decisions gets rewarded?
- redmonsters

the damage from x amount of time smoking will last x amount of years, so it's irrelevant if the message is to stop now or not, or if people follow through with making healthy or unhealthy decisions. The goal is to save lives and smokers, or recent smokers, are at significant risk.

I'm fine with prioritizing elderly, health care workers, and other groups. It just gets a little nuts with this micromanaging. If you put down that you are a smoker or obese (not grossly obese, just based on BMI) you can get priority; and you don't have to prove it.

Hopefully if the J&J vaccine is approved and once local pharmacies like CVS begin giving shots the situation improves for everyone.

TOTALLY ANGRY that our politicians got access including the ones downplaying this and calling it a hoax. Then they have the balls to get the vaccine and say they are doing it to set a good example and show it's safe.....
- Queenie_5_hole

Yeesh. We certainly need a new blog. You guys aren't wrong, but we are now talking WAY too much politics. Hospital staff first, then Elderly and underlying serious health concerns, then areas hit hardest, then trickle down the rest. I do find it odd that the death rate remains identical to years past. The common Flu was responsible for many deaths in people with serious heart conditions, cancer, elderly, and various other vulnerable people. People never actually died of "old age", but serious conditions that were often pushed beyond their limits from simple colds/flu's. I don't really know what to make of it at this point. You look at the death rates from the Spanish Flu, and Black Plague's and it is absolutely shocking. Same fatality rates among children as the elderly. That was a scary time. This appears to keep North America on the exact same trajectory one would have predicted 6 years ago...... Not a conspiracy theorist by any means, but the numbers cant compel me to panic as much as the media seems to portray things.

Regardless, Vaccines work. So lets hope they are rolling them out as fast as they can, and the world can hopefully normalize somewhat over the next few months. Stay safe, wear your masks whether you believe they help or not. Its only a minor inconvenience, and make the most of your time at home. Can't wait to see the Dev's back in action and well rested.

the damage from x amount of time smoking will last x amount of years, so it's irrelevant if the message is to stop now or not, or if people follow through with making healthy or unhealthy decisions. The goal is to save lives and smokers, or recent smokers, are at significant risk.
- MartysBetter88

The problem is you are rewarding bad behavior. Let's say statistically Covid is 2X as likely to kill a smoker as a non-smoker and you have 1 dose of vaccine. From a probability standpoint you give the vaccine to the smoker. But if you are the non smoker and you die from Covid while waiting for the next round of vaccine; you got screwed. And there is no fixing it because your dead. Just because you are less likely to die shouldn't mean you have to accept more risk. Also, this is an oversimplification because everyone had somewhat different underlying health issues and they are often known or unknown. So you can't perfectly determine every person's specific risk without massive health screening which is impractical.

Palms and Zacha come off the list, and nobody new goes on. 17 players remain on.

Yeesh. We certainly need a new blog. You guys aren't wrong, but we are now talking WAY too much politics. Hospital staff first, then Elderly and underlying serious health concerns, then areas hit hardest, then trickle down the rest. I do find it odd that the death rate remains identical to years past. The common Flu was responsible for many deaths in people with serious heart conditions, cancer, elderly, and various other vulnerable people. People never actually died of "old age", but serious conditions that were often pushed beyond their limits from simple colds/flu's. I don't really know what to make of it at this point. You look at the death rates from the Spanish Flu, and Black Plague's and it is absolutely shocking. Same fatality rates among children as the elderly. That was a scary time. This appears to keep North America on the exact same trajectory one would have predicted 6 years ago...... Not a conspiracy theorist by any means, but the numbers cant compel me to panic as much as the media seems to portray things.

Regardless, Vaccines work. So lets hope they are rolling them out as fast as they can, and the world can hopefully normalize somewhat over the next few months. Stay safe, wear your masks whether you believe they help or not. Its only a minor inconvenience, and make the most of your time at home. Can't wait to see the Dev's back in action and well rested.
- bikeguy99

I thought the number of deaths above expected has been more significant even then the number of deaths attributed to Covid. Not arguing, I'm just surprised by you statement that we are on the same trajectory. Is there a source for this information because I'd like to read about it.

I thought the number of deaths above expected has been more significant even then the number of deaths attributed to Covid. Not arguing, I'm just surprised by you statement that we are on the same trajectory. Is there a source for this information because I'd like to read about it.
- Queenie_5_hole

I am Canadian, and our StatsCanada department keeps this all on their government website. You can look up immigration rates, birth rates, all that census stuff. Our death rate per 100k people remained unchanged.

The misleading thing regarding Covid death statistics, is that it convolutes the classification of deaths. In the US, Cancer death rates are down, as is Heart disease, but somehow, their combined deficit almost matches the Covid death rate. This is because with serious conditions who died as complications related to their conditions were never listed as Flu, or common cold in the C.O.D.

I feel the stats can cause added fear, which may be a good thing in limiting this as we really don't know the long-term effects. But if you get a chance, look into the Black Plague and Spanish Flu's death rates. You will be shocked.

I am Canadian, and our StatsCanada department keeps this all on their government website. You can look up immigration rates, birth rates, all that census stuff. Our death rate per 100k people remained unchanged.

The misleading thing regarding Covid death statistics, is that it convolutes the classification of deaths. In the US, Cancer death rates are down, as is Heart disease, but somehow, their combined deficit almost matches the Covid death rate. This is because with serious conditions who died as complications related to their conditions were never listed as Flu, or common cold in the C.O.D.

I feel the stats can cause added fear, which may be a good thing in limiting this as we really don't know the long-term effects. But if you get a chance, look into the Black Plague and Spanish Flu's death rates. You will be shocked.
- bikeguy99

I understand what you're saying, but in the US our raw number of people who've died from covid is staggering. And yeah, I get that people with complications who get covid and dying from both but the unmitigated spread even when we are taking "more" precautions to prevent it says a lot. So yeah, more people who were sick and elderly to start who got even more sick died but healthy people who wouldn't normally die from the flu are also dying too.