NHL kicks off the 2022-23 season in the most awkward way possible

While the 2022-23 NHL season technically started last week with the San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators playing the Global Series in Czechia, the season begins in earnest tonight with the Tampa Bay Lightning taking on the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

The atmosphere at MSG prior to puck drop was absolutely electric... so leave it to the NHL to ruin things completely.

Check out this absolutely awkward 2022-23 season welcoming from referee Chris Rooney:

Honestly, I feel so bad for Rooney. Who put him up to this and who thought it was a good idea?

I love hockey and love the NHL, but sometimes this league can be so bush league...