I said it back when it happened, but personally, I was shocked that hockey was the first sport to announce their plan to return. Although probably in the best position to return safety wise, I just knew Gary Bettman would bungle this. I was wrong.
Although there are no concrete dates yet, we’re looking at a mid-July return for practice and an end of July start to the playoffs. Starting the playoffs immediately is a no-brainer; the fact that the structure of this year’s postseason was expanded, and that this allowed the Blackhawks to participate is a huge added bonus. I wouldn’t be nearly as excited for the return of hockey if the Hawks weren’t a part of it. This has the potential to be a huge silver lining to this COVID stuff. If the Blackhawks were to go on a run… I know, I know… wishful thinking, but… the fact that they have a chance now is huge; they were not going to make the playoffs otherwise.
Just like everybody else, the Blackhawks have had additional rest; unlike everybody else, the Blackhawks have the postseason experience. We have a goalie who can get hot. We have a core that has multiple Cups, and with additional rest for this “aging” core… Hopefully these guys have been keeping in good shape. If so, this added rest, this second chance, should inspire them to come out playing their best hockey of the season, and when that did happen this year, the Hawks showed flashes, and if you flash at the right time… only time will tell.
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For all the back and forth about money in baseball, and the financial impact to all in the NBA, it wasn’t an issue for hockey. Well, it IS an issue, but you didn’t hear as much about it. Maybe because the NHL is the least popular sport of the three; maybe because all sides just sucked it up… Everybody is going to take a hit here, but hopefully this is a one-year thing. Coming back means folks will get something, which last time I checked, is better than nothing… as long as they can stay safe. Did Bettman positively influence this? Well, he didn’t stand in the way. Maybe both sides worked it out easily? Maybe the commissioner stepped in and told them to get it done. Whatever is was, I’m excited for this surprise first. I’m ready for live sports period; I’m excited that the Blackhawks will be involved with this return of hockey. Can they push up the start time? Stay healthy everybody.
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