By Steven Moran









(Mark Buckner/Getty Images)









The corona virus has put the sports world on pause and has left fans with more questions than answers. If the NHL is able to resume the 2019-2020 season, will the regular season be finished or will we jump straight into the playoffs?





Going right into playoffs has the potential to leave a few fanbases unhappy. If the regular season cannot be completed, the teams on the outside looking in will be robbed of their playoff opportunity. Teams have 11-14 games remaining on their regular season schedules, and the completion of these games could definitely shake up the playoff picture. There are 7 teams on the bubble that have a legitimate shot at a playoff spot. In particular, the New York Islanders are just 1 point out, but have 2 games in hand. The Rangers, Panthers, Canucks, Wild, and Coyotes are all within 4 points of a wildcard spot. Not only does this situation impact the playoff teams, but it also has influence on the draft lottery.





If and when the NHL is able to return, how will the players be impacted by this hiatus? Hockey is unlike other sports in the sense that you cannot emulate skating off the ice. Players are most likely working out at home, but are not able to skate. When the green light is given to resume games, will teams be given a week or so to practice and work out on the ice to get into game shape? These are questions that cannot be answered until a possible return date becomes clear. Some teams may not be allowed to play at their home arenas right away, so it is possible that games will be played at neutral sites.









Another possibility would be the cancellation of the remainder of the season, including the playoffs. Although this is the worst-case scenario, it does not seem impossible. This would not be the first time this has happened. In 1919 the Stanley Cup was canceled due to the Spanish Flu. During game 6 of the final, players were collapsing on the ice. Officials canceled the game along with the rest of the series.





The NHL season has been suspended for four weeks and still there is no end in sight. If play eventually resumes, the season will likely extend into August. This results in a shortened off-season, and players will be on short rest entering the new season in October. As the NHL rightfully remains focused the health of players and staff, the fans are left eager for some hockey.



