Gary Bettman makes bold prediction regarding next season; fans react

Suffice it to say, given the current shut down of the NHL due to COVID-19 concerns, this season has been anything but normal. However, league commissioner Gary Bettman is convinced next year will be different. 

"I'm expecting next season to be a normal season," Bettman told reporters today. Of course, he can expect that all he wants but there's no telling what's going to happen between now and October, let alone during the seven months of the 2020-21 regular season. If you had told someone just a month ago that the NHL would be shut down indefinitely due to a virus, they likely would have laughed at you. 

We're sure fans are as hopeful as Bettman is when it comes to a "normal season." Many still took the time to express their displeasure at things that took place in 2019-20 outside of the Coronavirus concerns, though. 

Ryan R has a great point. The officiating has been horrid this season and the lack of consistency from the Department of Player Safety when it comes to suspensions and fines has been maddening for fans across the league. 

The loser point will be a bone of contention for many as long as it remains in place. Is there a better way? That depends on who you ask. 

Ok, he probably deserved that. 

Now we're getting really picky. 

And, of course there has to be a David Ayres joke in there somewhere. What would the 2019-20 season be without it?