Nashville will remain in the Central Division for the 2020-21 season, but there will be some fresh opponents due to a temporary realignment of divisions due to the ongoing closure of the U.S.-Canada border and a desire to minimize travel as much as possible. In addition to the Preds, the Central Division will include the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning.
With a 56-game schedule, the Predators will play each of those opponents eight times apiece, the only opponents they'll face in the regular season.
"The National Hockey League looks forward to the opening of our 2020-21 season, especially since the Return to Play in 2019-20 was so successful in crowning a Stanley Cup champion," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman
said via the NHL's release
. "While we are well aware of the challenges ahead, as was the case last spring and summer, we are continuing to prioritize the health and safety of our participants and the communities in which we live and play. And, as was the case last spring and summer, I thank the NHLPA, particularly Executive Director Don Fehr, for working cooperatively with us to get our League back on the ice."
"The Players are pleased to have finalized agreements for the upcoming season, which will be unique but also very exciting for the fans and Players alike," NHLPA Executive Director Don Fehr
said via release
. "During these troubled times, we hope that NHL games will provide fans with some much-needed entertainment as the players return to the ice."
From the NHL: "The top four teams in each division will qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with intradivisional play in the first two rounds (No. 1 vs. No. 4; No. 2 vs. No.3). The four teams that advance to the Semifinal Round would be seeded by their regular season points total, with the No. 1 seed playing the No. 4 seed in one series and the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds meeting in the other."
Predators players have been skating and working out at Bridgestone Arena in preparation and anticipation of the 2020-21 season. Earlier in the week, Preds General Manager David Poile estimated "18 players" to be in town already, with more surely on their way if they haven't arrived already.
Stay tuned to NashvillePredators.com in the days and weeks to come for more information on the commencement of the 2020-21 NHL season.
As the NHL says here, "Given the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHLPA and the NHL intend to be flexible and adaptable in their approach during the coming weeks to ensure compliance with directives from both local and national governmental and health authorities focusing on the health and safety of the players, other game-related personnel and the communities in which we play. The priority will continue to be focused on the health and safety of our fans and Players and Club, League, NHLPA and arena personnel."
However, things may change, we do know this: hockey is coming back once more, and that's the best gift of all.
