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The coronavirus pandemic is a serious situation that is much larger than sports. From schools to workplaces to the stock market and beyond, daily life in North America has been altered by the outbreak.
Win-loss records suddenly get placed on the backburner when everyday life concerns become the priority.
On Thursday, the NHL joined other sports leagues by announcing that it will pause the 2019-20 season. Teams on the road are returning home and players are being asked to self-quarantine. Though the league is taking all the necessary precautions, Commissioner Gary Bettman underscored the importance of completing the season and playoffs.
The situation could change quickly for better or worse based on the nature of the virus and how the medical community responds. Yet Bettman’s words are tinged with optimism.
Some of the most ardent Rangers fans are already bemoaning the possibility of the Blueshirts’ playoff push being dashed by the pandemic. Fans have begun to speculate whether Henrik Lundqvist has already played his last game as a Ranger. The club’s all-time wins leader most recently relieved Igor Shesterkin in a March 7 defeat to the rival Devils.
Let’s not get carried away with all the what-ifs and worst-case scenarios. Whether you’re a player, a ref, a fan or a media member, all you can do is take precautions and hope that hockey’s return isn’t far away.