NHL Says Game On: League, Players Approve Jan. 13 Start; 56-Game Sked With Division Only Games; Playoffs Conclude Mid-July
By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com
The Vegas Golden Knights now know when their fourth NHL season will start.
Here’s a Q and A on just the facts. A dozen questions and answers.
When does the NHL season start? Jan. 13.
When does the season end: May 8.
How long is the season? 56 games.
What teams are in the Vegas Golden Knights’ West division: Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, LA Kings, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks and St. Louis Blues.
What about the Canadian teams? They will be in a division called the “North” — as in North of the Border.
How many times will the Knights play the other division teams: Eight times.
How will playoffs work: The top four teams in each division will qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with intradivisional play in the first two rounds (#1 vs. #4; #2 vs. #3). The four teams that advance to the Semifinal Round would be seeded by their regular season points total, with the No. 1 seed playing the No. 4 seed in one series and the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds meeting in the other.
When does training camp begin for the Knights? Jan. 3.
What about preseason games? There will be none.
What the VGK say: “Given the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHLPA and the NHL intend to be flexible and adaptable in their approach during the coming weeks to ensure compliance with directives from both local and national governmental and health authorities focusing on the health and safety of the players, other game-related personnel and the communities in which we play. The priority will continue to be focused on the health and safety of our fans and Players and Club, League, NHLPA and arena personnel.”
What did NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman say: “While we are well aware of the challenges ahead, as was the case last spring and summer, we are continuing to prioritize the health and safety of our participants and the communities in which we live and play.”
What did NHL players union Executive Director Donald Fehr say: “During these troubled times, we hope that NHL games will provide fans with some much needed entertainment as the players return to the ice.”
Will fans attend VGK home games at T-Mobile Arena? Local health and political officials will determine restrictions in markets, but LVSportsBiz.com believes it will be doubtful at the start of the season in Las Vegas but that could change as COVID-19 conditions and infection rates change.
