The NHL has not only postponed tonight’s Buffalo Sabres game, but all of their games through February 8. That includes another game against the New York Islanders on Thursday and two against the Boston Bruins (Saturday and Monday). The decision was made after two players—Rasmus Ristolainen and Taylor Hall—entered the league’s COVID Protocols.
The Sabres training facilities have been closed, effective immediately and will remain so until further notice. The schedule is still being reviewed as the situation progresses.
Buffalo was reportedly “furious” with a lack of information when they played the New Jersey Devils over the weekend, including hitting the ice against several players that entered the league’s COVID Protocol Related Absences the next day. John Vogl of The Athletic writes that the Sabres requested more information on the health of the Devils from the NHL, but that request was denied. Kyle Palmieri played on Saturday before hitting the CPRA list on Sunday, while Andreas Johnsson, Janne Kuokkanen, Michael McLeod and Pavel Zacha played in both games before being listed on Monday.
They’ll now miss at least four games that will need to be fit into the schedule down the road.
NHL is really screwing up with regard to COVID. It’s not a terrible thing that the policy is so strict, but they seriously need to cooperate with teams and be on the same page. It’s inexcusable that the Sabres now have to shutdown for nearly a week simply due to the negligence of the league, and will be at an disadvantage due to forced rest.
Wow.
How can the league deny a valid request by a team in relation to the health of it’s staff, coaches & players?
The Pegulas need to be hounding Bettman 24/7 until he gives them all the information that they have requested.