NHL postpones Canadiens vs. Bruins game on Saturday

An empty Bell Centre is shown in Montreal, Thursday, December 16, 2021, ahead of an NHL hockey game between the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers. (Graham Hughes/CP)

The NHL has postponed Saturday's game between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre.

The Bruins are currently experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak with seven players in protocol, along with one staff member.

No make-up date has been established.

After the Habs' win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, forward Jonathan Drouin expressed reservations about playing the Bruins.

"I'm not really comfortable playing against a team that has so many cases of Covid," Drouin said. "There are currently seven cases, but there could be three more tomorrow."

The Canadiens had their own COVID-19 adjustment on Thursday when two hours before puck drop, the organization announced no fans would be in the Bell Centre for the game against the Flyers following a request from Quebec Public Health.

It was unknown if any fans would be allowed back in the building for a game on Saturday, though the team has said it expects to have limited capacity for future games.

The Bruins did play on Thursday, losing 3-1 to the New York Islanders.

Saturday's game marks the 11th NHL game postponed this season, and the sixth this week.

Boston is currently scheduled to face the Senators in Ottawa on Sunday.


Editor’s Note: The COVID-19 situation, in the NHL and around the world, is constantly evolving. Readers in Canada can consult the country’s public health website for the latest.


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