After the NHL came under widespread criticism for its lack of response Wednesday amid multiple postponements across the NBA, WNBA, MLB and MLS, the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to be put on hold.
In a joint statement released by the NHL and the NHL Players Association, the league announced that postseason games scheduled for Thursday and Friday will be postponed — joining a widespread movement started by the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday afternoon following the shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin.
The full statement read:
After much discussion, NHL Players believe that the best course of action would be to take a step back and not play tonight’s and tomorrow’s games as scheduled. The NHL supports the Players’ decision and will reschedule those four games beginning Saturday and adjust the remainder of the Second Round schedule accordingly.
Black and Brown communities continue to face real, painful experiences. The NHL and NHLPA recognize that much work remains to be done before we can play an appropriate role in a discussion centered on diversity, inclusion and social justice. We understand that the tragedies involving Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others require us to recognize this moment. We pledge to work to use our sport to influence positive change in society.
The NHLPA and NHL are committed to working to foster more inclusive and welcoming environments within our arenas, offices and beyond.
As the statement noted, the decision to postpone these games was driven by the players, with conversations about possibly taking a step back from game action beginning on Thursday morning, especially up in Edmonton between the Canucks and Golden Knights.
"Last night I struggled with what I wanted to do," Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves said. "I woke up with a text from (Tampa Bay defenseman Kevin) Shattenkirk and he had a bunch of guys that wanted to talk. I got a text that Vancouver wanted to talk. …That was more powerful. The conversation started with white players on other teams wanting to talk."