Professional sports are finally back, and they’re taking fans right into the action. In the National Hockey League (NHL), playoffs are typically held in June through July. This year, they began on Aug. 1, using stats from last year to qualify teams. Certain teams, like the New York Islanders, who made it to the semifinals, had to fight for their playoff spot in a small qualifying tournament prior to the real playoffs. While the at-risk teams battled, the pre-qualified teams, like the Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals, played a round-robin style tournament to get their legs back under them.
“I am very excited the NHL playoffs are back, as it feels like a return to normalcy,” junior Teddy Crowther said. “It is very exciting to see the teams play and compete once again.”
The excitement surrounding the return of playoff hockey is impossible to ignore. “I love watching hockey, so I was really excited to learn that the National Hockey League would be returning for the playoffs,” senior Keegan McMahon said. McMahon’s joy is not alone; junior Will Berckemeyer shared similar sentiments but acknowledged that it’s not the same with COVID-19 restrictions. “I’m excited that it’s back and that I can finally watch hockey,” Will said, “but it definitely isn’t the same without fans. Playoff hockey is what it is because of the fans.”
The games were conducted with no fans in attendance since none could enter “The Bubble,” but there were pre-recorded fan noises played after something significant happened. “The fan noise was nice to hear,” Will said, “and sometimes I couldn’t tell that there weren’t fans there.”
“The Bubble” is what they called the hotel full of players, officials, play-by-play announcers, and photographers and media reporters. These people were not allowed to come-and-go once they quarantined, and no family members were allowed. “I think the way they handled COVID and the transition to playing in a bubble was really great,” Keegan said. “The Bubble” was a unique experience because it allowed players from different teams to interact. Crowther said he agreed “The Bubble” worked well. “I think “The Bubble” environment was great,” Teddy said, “and it allowed the players to be safe and conduct themselves while still feeling like a traditional Stanley Cup Playoff experience.”
The format of the schedule was a bit different, with two hub cities (Toronto and Edmonton) to limit travel and exposure. “I think they did a great job keeping this format very close to the normal format,” Keegan said. “I always love to see fans in the stands and the overall noise of the crowd, so I think it would be a nice addition, but overall I’m just happy to watch hockey again.”
While KO students all shared an excitement for the return of professional hockey, even COVID-19 couldn’t get rid of team rivalries. “I’m rooting for the Stars cause they’re the underdog,” Will said prior to the Stanley Cup results, “and I don’t like the Lightning.” Agreeing to disagree Keegan said she rooted for Tampa Bay. “My team usually is the Tampa Bay Lightning,” she said, “so I’m super excited that they’re in the Stanley Cup finals and I know they’re going to win. GO TAMPA!!”
Teddy agreed with Will that he cheered for the Stars, but not without some disdain for Tampa Bay. “I am rooting for the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup Finals because the Tampa Bay Lightning sent home my favorite team, the Boston Bruins,” he said.
Teddy isn’t alone is his reasoning (the Bruins are my favorite team too.) Ultimately, (and unfortunately for Will and Teddy) as Kegan predicted, the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup against the Dallas Stars in a six-game series.
