Jokerit withdraws from KHL playoffs

Jokerit, the only team in the KHL based in Finland, has decided to withdraw from the Gagarin Cup playoffs. The team says the decision was made to guarantee the health of the players and the team's management, as well as to help slow down the spread of COVID-19

Unlike the NHL, the KHL has not suspended play. It has, however, been playing games in empty arenas. After defeating Lokomotiv in the opening round of the playoffs, Jokerit was set to square off against SKA Saint Petersburg in the conference semi-finals, with the series slated to start on Tuesday.

"After long talks held between club leadership, doctors and players, the decision was made not to travel to Saint Petersburg and withdraw the team from the playoffs," said Jokerit in a news release. "The decision was based on the concern over the health of players and staff as well as trying to slow down the spread of the coronavirus by the following guidelines given by the government and officials of the Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare."

As it stands right now, withdrawing means Jokerit forfeits the series and SKA Saint Petersburg gets a free pass to the next round. It will be interesting to see whether this decision will influence the KHL to suspend or cancel the Gagarin Cup.

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