Faced with increased interruptions to its schedule as players and coaches enter COVID-19 protocol, the NHL on Thursday announced a series of additional measures that are designed to reduce the risk of exposing personnel to the novel coronavirus.
Among the most visible measures will be removing the glass behind the home and visitors’ benches in each arena. According to a news release, the change is intended “To allow for air flow to more easily move away from the benches where Players and Coaches are in close proximity to one another during games.” Apparently, referees will have to use their imagination in calling delay of game penalties for shooting the puck over glass that isn’t there anymore.