Crosby talks for the first-time since NHL shutdown, proposes going straight to playoffs when play resumes

NHL superstars have mostly been quiet since the league elected to put the 2019-20 season on pause amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. But earlier today, NHL superstar Sidney Crosby was joined by Claude Giroux, Marc Staal and Jordan Staal on a conference call with the media to discuss the league’s current situation.

Most of the questions from the media were obvious softballs for the NHL stars and nothing of substance was really shared, but Crosby himself did make one interesting remark. When asked what he thinks the NHL should do if and when it returns to action, Crosby proposed dropping the rest of the regular season and jumping right into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Check it out:

Not a bad idea, but honestly it’s easy for Sid to say seeing as how his team is currently in a playoff spot.

Sid the Kid had a special message for fans, as well:

Here’s hoping he’s right and that the league can resume play. There’s nothing quite like the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares also took to social media earlier today to share a message with Leafs Nation and, indeed, the entire hockey world: Stay home.

“Let’s all play inside and play for each other,” the letter reads. “With this challenge comes great opportunity to enjoy quality time with family and loved ones. Let’s take care of each other by washing our hands frequently and practicing social distancing.”

The Leafs’ captain went on to thank healthcare workers and others on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, “Thank you for your courage, determination and hard work to fight this crisis. We are extremely grateful.”

And to Leafs Nation:

“To Leafs nation, my teammates and I can’t wait until we get the opportunity again to put on our skates, and wear the Maple Leaf on our chest,” he wrote. “Until then, let’s do everything we can to help each other by staying safe and healthy!”

For the full message, read below:

Stay safe and stay healthy, hockey fans. Hopefully we're all watching some playoff hockey later this spring/summer and we're all putting this pandemic behind us.