A return to normal for the NHL may not include the Blackhawks

The NHL seems set on some type of resumption of the regular season and/or playoffs in 2019-20 in the very near future. In fact, there's talk that practice facilities may open as early as next weekend to allow players to ensure they are staying in game shape. However, there's word out of Illinois that the State is taking extra steps should sports leagues attempt to resume play.

It is being reported that Illinois governor J. B. Pritzker contacted all owners of Chicago sports teams personally and asked them not to have any home games until at least May 1st or to do it without spectators in attendance. According to reporter Adam Hoge, all owners have agreed to this request.

Simply put, the NHL's hope to have the 2019-20 season resume in some form in the next two weeks seems unrealistic, if not downright crazy. By all accounts, we are still on the upswing of the curve for cases of COVID-19 in North America and there's no concrete evidence that a plateau or downswing are coming any time soon. That said, things have been changing rapidly and any kind of prediction is difficult at this point.

As it stands currently, NHL players are being asked to stay in their home cities in order to be ready to get back into it should the season resume. Most teams have developed plans to ensure arena staff are being paid, at least partially, while games aren't taking place.

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