Islanders: Good news on multiple fronts for 2019-20 season

Key decisions were made this weekend that will allow the NHL and New York Islanders to resume the 19-20 season.

There is good news on a number of fronts to re-starting the 2019-20 NHL season. On Sunday, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that all New York sports teams, such as the New York Islanders, can open training camps.

This announcement comes on the heels of a few key announcements that would allow the NHL to resume in due time.

First, the NHLPA agreed to a 24-team playoff on Friday. Although, that vote didn’t go without some sort of drama with two teams voting no.

Then, also on Friday, the US Department of Homeland Security issued a press release that stated foreign players from certain sports leagues could return to the US; like players in the National Hockey League.

Along with Governor Cuomo’s statement, that’s three important steps that were needed in order to allow the resumption of play.

A Few Steps Forward, but Questions Remain

Now, we’re of course still weeks away before a puck is dropped on the NHL season. Even with, the NHL figuring out in what way the season will continue, players returning from their homes outside the US, and with practice facilities being opened, there are still a number of issues that need to be figured out.

Where will these games be held? We’ve heard Vegas as a possible destination but it’s hard to imagine that all 24 teams, coaching staff, support staff, and event staff can all descend on a single location for a few weeks. Columbus has recently come out as a possible destination in the East.

Then there’s the obvious question of testing. How will the NHL ensure that everyone is tested frequently and constantly?

But even without those questions being answered it’s been a good week in terms of getting hockey back. The announcements made over the weekend are pushing the resumption of the 2019-20 season to a concrete future date.

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The NHL was hell-bent on completing the season, in some-way-shape-or-form. They desperately wanted to award the Stanley Cup. After this weekend’s announcements a few steps were taken in that direction. This was a good weekend for the resumption of the NHL season.