Everyone is watching because 2020-21 is the time for adjustments.
Flyers, and many other clubs, are facing their fair share of adjustments this week. The Flyers’ home games on Thursday and Saturday against Devils were postponed because of NHL’s COVID protocols. Makeup dates must be determined.
New Jersey had 16 players on the league’s COVID protocol list on Sunday. That number rose to 19 on Monday night. The Devils have not played since January 31 and are now not scheduled to play again until February 16.
Flyers defender Travis Sanheim did not play in his team’s 7-4 victory on Sunday over the Capitals as it was not available due to the COVID protocol. There are several factors that contribute to why a player can be placed on the list of COVID protocols. A player absent because of the COVID protocol does not necessarily mean that the player’s test is positive for the coronavirus.
The Flyers on Sunday had a wake-up call at 6:15 am ET, when all players, coaches and team staff received POC tests before the ET noon game against Washington at Capital One Arena. Coach Alain Vigneault said the Flyers did not know if they were going to play on Sunday when they arrived at the arena.
“After all tests were negative, medical groups in the league, NHLPA and clubs determined that it was appropriate to play the game,” the NHL said in a statement on Sunday after the game.
The Flyers practiced on Monday at Capital One Arena. Sanheim was not available and will not play on Tuesday against Washington (18h ET / NBCSP). Vigneault said that all the other players were able to train on Monday.
After Tuesday’s game, the Flyers only return to play on Sunday when they visit Rangers (6:00 pm ET / NBCSP).
With several teams dealing with delays because of the coronavirus pandemic, the NHL last Saturday announced several rescheduled games. Four of the Flyers’ games were affected.
Monday arrived and two more were added to the list.
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