The coronavirus has been moving across the globe for about 4 months now and in the last month, it’s gotten to the point where we all need to be extra careful to slow and hopefully stop the spread of this dangerous virus. Large public gatherings have been stopped so that means every sport has been put on hold. It’s the right thing to do and this puts us in strange new territory.

Every sports league has gone on hiatus and nothing will be announced about what the plan is for at least a month. We’re all waiting to see how this virus takes hold and it’s impossible to predict the future. If everything goes well, it sounds like we could get back to normal in June or July. So let’s talk about that with the NHL.

There are approximately 13 games per team left to play in the regular season. Will there be time to play those games and then do the playoffs? Or will the season end and go right into the playoffs? The latter decision is one that I’m not in favor of. In the Eastern Conference, there are SIX teams in tight contention for the wildcard slots. It’s the same in the West. Every single game remaining is important. No matter what, I think the playoffs would be cut to best of 5 instead of 7.

Another big factor to consider during this: there are a lot of injured players throughout the league. Given a month or more to heal means many of them will be back to play in any remaining games. That completely changes the firepower of many teams. If the remaining regular-season games are played, the standings will absolutely change. It’s a major factor in the outcome of the year for half the teams in the league.

Now the worst-case scenario–the NHL is done for the season. It’s weird and unwanted but possible. It’s also possible the next season doesn’t start in October. We all love our sports, it’s an outlet and focal point for millions of people. At this point, I’m hoping for the best, that we all get through with few personal losses and it’s back to everything we love to do as soon as possible. There’s no reason to panic. We just need to pay attention, be responsible, and look out for each other. Sports will be there for us in time.