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This past March the NHL put its season on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Today the NHL provided more information, advising that this upcoming Monday they will begin Phase 2 of the “Return to Play” plan.
The @NHL has announced that it will transition to Phase 2 of its Return To Play Plan effective Monday, June 8. https://t.co/Xjk8cfhWyh pic.twitter.com/uT6WEwCBtF
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 5, 2020
Phase 2 allows for the reopening of training facilities in teams’ home cities, off-ice, and on-ice training, with a maximum of six people allowed. Participation in Phase 2 is completely optional so we will likely see some players opting out in the beginning.
The NHL had previously stated that Phase 2 would begin early June so this shouldn’t be unexpected. Phase 3 is the opening of training camps, and this is set for at least July. Phase 4 will be the beginning of the post-season in the designated hub cities.
Along with the move to Phase 2 the NHL also released the rules for the playoff. Blueshirt Hockey provided a great breakdown of the rules. The Arizona Coyotes will be the lower-seeded team in their matchup against the Nashville Predators and will be the home team for Games 3 and 4.