The NHL continues with its clean COVID-19 slate

With the NHL about to officially enter round one of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the league has announced that its streak of zero positive tests for COVID-19 continues. 

"The NHL completed the second week of its Phase 4 Return to Play with no positive test results for COVID-19 among the 7,245 test administered," said the league in a statement. "Testing was administered on a daily basis to all members of the clubs' 52 member travelling parties, including players, during the period from August 2nd through August 8th. The NHL will continue to provide regular updates on COVID-19 testing results. The league will not be providing information on the identity of any clubs or individuals." 

Love Gary Bettman or hate him (and most fans seem to fall in the latter category), the commissioner and the NHL have done an excellent job of keeping players and staff safe during a global pandemic while continuing to provide entertainment for hockey fans. Just one active case getting into the bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton could have a massive ripple effect. It could, in fact, derail the league's entire plan to play out the 2020 playoffs. While other leagues, such as Major League Baseball, are struggling in their efforts to curb positive tests, the NHL hasn't had one for weeks now. 

The big question remaining is what will happen next season if fans still aren't allowed back into NHL arenas in any capacity. Would the NHL look for another bubble approach (more cities would be needed of course) or would it simply wait until things are safe enough to allow fans back in? We'll be waiting until at least November to find that out. So far, though the NHL deserves some credit for the job its doing.