MINNEAPOLIS — Much like the rest of the world, the NHL has been dealing with COVID-19 cases that have caused disruption. Several games were postponed and rescheduled prior to the holiday break. So many that the NHL decided not to go to the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, needing the previously scheduled Olympic break to make up the postponed games. The league extended its holiday break and rescheduled several Canadian games in order to protect revenues.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, the Winter Classic is set to resume on New Year's Night. This game has the benefit of being played outside, so while there are COVID-19 concerns among the teams, the NHL is hoping fans can enjoy one day of hockey normalcy.