NHL "pauses" the 2019-20 season

The league initially released a statment on Wednesday that the league was aware of the NBA's decision to suspend their season and would be discussing options with club owners before making any further announcements. This afternoon the league has announced that they will be pausing the 2019-20 season,stressing this was not a suspension.

"I'm a little hesitant to use the word suspension, because our hope and our expectation is, when things get back to normal and it's safe and it's prudent, that we can go back and resume the season and ultimately have the Stanley Cup awarded."

Teams and players were quick to show their support by releasing statements of their own.

“The decision to temporarily suspend play due to the COVID-19 pandemic is an appropriate course of action at this time. The NHLPA will continue to closely monitor this very dynamic situation and remain in daily discussions with the league, our medical consultants, and our players regarding all aspects of this matter. The players are looking forward to the opportunity to resume play in front of hockey fans everywhere.”

The NHL did the right thing by putting a pause on the season as they are listening closely to the recommendations of the CDC. Unfortunately, it has created a bit of a void for us sports bettors, especially with the season heading towards the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It was going to be a wild ride with many teams having a shot at winning it all.

The Philadelphia Flyers went into the pause having won nine of their last 10 games and were closing in on the top spot in the Metro Division. The Vegas Golden Knights were also hot as they have won 11 of their last 13 games while the St Louis Blues had won 10 of their last 12. We also have to note that the Boston Bruins had the most points in the league heading into the pause and the Blues had the 2nd most points. As I stated, it was going to be a wide-open NHL playoffs.

There were a few other teams that were making money for us of late and those opportunities are now out the door and we can only hope that the NHL will eventually resume their season so that we can get back to making money again.

Update (3/24): so far, just two players in the NHL have tested positive for COVID-19 and bother are from the Ottawa Senators. The NHL is currently holding to the 60-day recommendation from the CDC and if things begin to improve around the nation, the league may open up a training camp period in 45 days.

Update (3/25): The NHL has now postponed the Draft along with the awards show and combine.