NHL to discuss possibility of playoff bubble

Elliotte Friedman and Chris Johnston look at the latest news from around the NHL, talking about the Canucks' positive COVID-19 tests and the possibility of a playoff bubble.

In the wake of the Vancouver Canucks’ COVID-19 outbreak, a bubble environment could be an option for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2021.

“It’s not what anybody wants, but what I can tell you is that it’s going to be discussed,” Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported during Saturday’s Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada. “It depends on how the world evolves between now and then.

“Again, it’s not what anyone wants and it’s not the preferred option, but depending on where we go here over the next little while, they’re going to have to at least have a plan on the table.”

A number of teams league-wide have dealt with outbreaks of the novel coronavirus this season, forcing postponements and other schedule alterations. The regular season is currently slated to conclude on May 11, as opposed to the original end date of May 8.

Last season’s playoffs were held in separate bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton for the Eastern and Western conferences, respectively.

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