Three Impressions Of The Return Of The NHL Playoffs
The fans are missed, the play is good, the rules needed more thought
Hockey and baseball are my favorite major sports. I gave some initial impressions of the return of Major League Baseball a few weeks ago. Now that the National Hockey League (NHL) has returned and re-started its season, here are some initial impressions.
It Is Not the Same Without the Fans
Playoff hockey is the most raucous events in all of sports. Hockey is a game that is appreciated most then watched live. The difference in watching regular season hockey and playoff hockey is also greater than any other sport — including and especially on TV.
We should give the NHL credit though. No cheesy fan cut-outs in the stands like baseball and not as much canned crowd noise. If the atmosphere is not representative of playoff hockey on one hand, at least it is as professional as it can be on the other hand.
The Play Is Good
The play is good. The players are playing like the Stanley Cup is on the line, and it is. The goalie play is outstanding, the shot-blocking by position players is consistent with previous playoffs, and there have been a number of overtime games. TV fans are seeing good play from the best players in the world.
The Rules Need Better Thought
Having the games played at central locations and keeping the fans away was a COVID-19 decision made by the NHL. A consequence of having the games played throughout the day makes the format seem a little amateurish. A bigger consequence is having games stack up when a preceding one goes to overtime. Tuesday night’s 5 OT game between the Lightning and Blue Jackets delayed the following game between the Hurricanes and Bruins until the following day at 11 AM. Like an amateur tournament, everything must be adjusted because, well, everyone is there. The impacts of having a different format should have been anticipated better.
Looking Forward to the Finals
It is great to have the 2020 NHL Playoffs back on. The quality of the play and the intensity of the quest for the Stanley Cup continues to make professional hockey the greatest championship in all of sports. Hockey benefited most from having fans in the stands, so the difference is most pronounced. But the National Basketball Association has experienced a similar fate. Major League Baseball will too.
