Multiple Positive COVID Tests For The Dallas Stars: How Does This Affect The Central?

This past Friday, the Dallas Stars announced positive cases within their organization.  Six of their players and two staff members had positive tests which will result in a delay in the opening of their season. This will impact their schedule as it will become significantly more packed.

The Dallas Stars will likely have to play in more back-to-back games in a schedule that was already tightly-packed.  They will have to move games with the defending champs, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers as well.

Impact Within The Dallas Stars

Aside from schedule changes, this will also take a toll on a team that made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals.  The Stanley Cup Hangover phenomenon will be intensified because their team will lack the same quality of death as their six players recover from the virus.

It would be no surprise if the Stars get off to an underwhelming start this season. It also will not help that when the team gets back to full-strength they will have to play in more back-to-back games when compared to other teams.

Impact With Other Teams In The Central

The Panthers and Lightning may have a schedule that includes more consecutive games as well. It is very possible that this issue can be mitigated with the Lightning and Panthers facing off this first week of play. Therefore, schedule changes for all Central teams may be announced.

Also, teams that are scheduled to play the Stars early on may have a slight advantage. This is because the Stars will have a gradual return to full strength.

Other News

The NHL is still set to kick off into action on Wednesday. What matchups are you excited to see the most? Also, all divisions will now have sponsors. The Central will be sponsored by Discover. Mass Mutual will sponsor the East.  Honda is set to sponsor the West. Finally, the North will be partnering with Scotiabank.