Kevin Allen: Covid impact could linger into next season No one is quite sure what crowds will be like next season

Sounds like more left wing USA today fear mongering.

Do you think there will be taxi squads again, Kevin?

Either an expanded roster or taxi squad of some sort might be in order for the players. For the teams...the league really has to push revenue sharing had in the next few years to make sure that the most hard hit teams can stay afloat.

People have learned to live without being at sporting events. The casual fans won't be back any time soon, it will only be die hards and STH attending games for the next few years.

Do you think there will be taxi squads again, Kevin?
- gergeswillems

I think it really depends on what's happening with the virus and vaccinations. But my guess is we won't have them.

People have learned to live without being at sporting events. The casual fans won't be back any time soon, it will only be die hards and STH attending games for the next few years.
- jmatchett383

Your assessment is reasonable. We are going to lose some fans for a variety of reasons, but hardcore group is ready to come back. Thanks for reading!

I really think the NHL should stop allowing participation in the olympics. It causes too much of a disruption in the season and puts players at risk for injury in uncompensated games. Many are getting paid millions to play for NHL teams and the players are not being fair to their teams by putting themselves at risk like this during the regular season.

But in the back of everyone’s mind is the knowledge that the world has changed since we last saw full NHL arenas. Have some fans grown too accustomed to watching games on television? Will some decide they don’t want to mix with crowds anymore? Are some fans simply not in the economic position to attend games?

Have you considered watching the games not hosted in Canada during these playoffs? They can answer your question without having to ponder on this thought so much.

Agree 100%

The only thing better that could have happened to the NHL is Arizona and Florida making the finals. Attendance jumped just for the opportunity to go to a social event when the doors opened in the US.

Is all of Canada rooting for Montreal to get a cup back in Canada or is it a mixed bag up there? Either way a Canada team making the big game should be great for ratings

Have you considered watching the games not hosted in Canada during these playoffs? They can answer your question without having to ponder on this thought so much.
- Izzo

Actually they have. They are pretty much counting on playoff hockey to be normal. What they don't know is whether the people who buy 10-game season packages, and half a season or full-season are going to come back.
If they even lose 5% of their season ticket base it will cause issues.

Thanks for your comments and for reading

Is all of Canada rooting for Montreal to get a cup back in Canada or is it a mixed bag up there? Either way a Canada team making the big game should be great for ratings
- GPerogie

Not many outside of Quebec are cheering for the Habs.