Bruins didn’t consider not playing Game 3 amid postponements across sports world

Wednesday was an unprecedented day within the realm of sports, as the NBA, WNBA, MLB, and MLS all postponed games after athletes refused to play in protest of the shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin.

But up in the NHL bubble in Toronto and Edmonton, things went on as scheduled — with the Flyers/Islanders, Bruins/Lightning and Avalanche/Stars all continuing their respective playoff series. 

Speaking after Boston’s 7-1 loss to Tampa in Game 3, Zdeno Chara said that the Bruins didn’t have any discussions about following other pro leagues by refusing to play on Wednesday night — adding that the team didn’t get a full scope of what was occurring across other sports until they already made it to Scotiabank Arena. 

“Like I said, it was so close to our game," Chara said. "After our pregame meal, we took naps and then we were on the bus, so I don't think any of us was watching TV, until we got to the rink. At that point it was obviously too close to the game to start any discussions or trying to move the games to different dates. We had the afternoon game and we were just basically following the schedule provided to us."

Bruce Cassidy noted that he "would've supported our group whatever they decided" had Boston opted to not lace up their skates for Game 3.

We will see now how the NHL — and its teams — respond after the league took on a “business as usual” approach up in the bubble.

Even though it appears the NBA will be resuming play as soon as Friday, Islanders head coach Barry Trotz said during New York’s afternoon media availability that the Islanders were “having discussions” about whether or not to play Game 3 against the Flyers on Thursday. 

Shortly thereafter, Sharks forward Evander Kane — co-head of the new Hockey Diversity Alliance — tweeted that the alliance has requested the NHL to suspend all playoff games on Thursday. 

https://twitter.com/evanderkane_9/status/1299030938953883651

It remains to be seen what steps the NHL and its players take going forward, but as Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri noted on Wednesday night: “Eventually words get stale, and it’s about action.”

For a league that often flaunts its "Hockey Is For Everyone" initiative to spur positive social change and foster more inclusive communities, the NHL's  words rang pretty hollow on Wednesday night.

"Obviously we stand against any type of racism," Bergeron said. "My stance and our stance doesn't change, against any form of injustice. I made a statement earlier, a few months ago. Zee did as well. I stand behind my statement. I want to be part of it, part of the solution. Obviously there needs to be change. ... It starts with everyone.  I'm part of that. Zee's part of that. We all need to find ways to be, like I said, part of the solution. My statement doesn't change. My stance doesn't change. I want to be a part of it. Yeah, I stand against any type of racism and injustice. I want to be a part of that."

Chara added: "Definitely we support NBA players, and all the leagues that show their support. ... Pretty much say what Patrice said. We support the fight against racism and injustice. There's different ways to express that fight. Obviously NBA players expressed their opinions by boycotting the games today. We support it."