NHL COVID-19 Roundup: Lightning’s Stamkos says it’s been ‘a long road’

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos discusses the recent COVID shutdowns around the NHL, expressing how tough it is that outbreaks keep occurring despite following protocols, although is pleased to see that vaccines appear to be working.

As COVID-19 cases continued to climb across the NHL on Wednesday, one star player wondered when it will ever end: Tampa Bay Lightning centre Steven Stamkos.

“We get vaccinated and get boosters and you do all the things that you’re trying to do to keep everyone safe and then you still have those outbreaks,” said Stamkos, noting that the vaccine is working as a lot of players have been asymptomatic or had very minor symptoms.

“But I don’t know where it ends, to be honest.”

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.

Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving, whose team has the biggest current outbreak, said on Tuesday all players were “doing well.”

However, in terms of number of cases, the news has not been good.

The Flames added 17 people to the NHL’s COVID protocol on Wednesday, including seven players. That puts the total number at 27 cases.

Calgary had a fourth game postponed on Wednesday.

The Nashville Predators also reported a significant outbreak with 12 people, including six players, now on that team’s list.

The Boston Bruins added Patrice Bergeron to protocol with the forward joining Craig Smith and Brad Marchand.

Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes said they plan to play on Thursday against the visiting Detroit Red Wings after having a game postponed against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday. The Hurricanes currently have six players in protocol.

A total of 10 NHL games have already been postponed, including five this week.

More than 140 players have been on the NHL’s COVID protocol list this season.

NHL teams and players have been notified of enhanced protocols until at least Jan. 7, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

— With files from The Canadian Press

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