Analyst believes COVID concerns not the real reason Montreal vs Boston game was postponed

The NHL announced earlier Friday that the Saturday night game between the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins would be postponed until another time. The league said it was due to the Bruins dealing with a number of COVID cases, although the team played on Thursday night against the New York Islanders. One analyst isn't convinced the postponement was because of concerns over the spread of COVID-19.

"The NHL's handling of [Ottawa's] Sunday game vs Boston will be telling about the Montreal game," said the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch. "Was it postponed because stands would be empty or COVID-19? Right now it looks like it's the former but we will see where this goes."

As you may recall, the Canadiens took on the Philadelphia Flyers at Bell Centre Thursday night and it was announced just two hours before the game that no fans would be permitted in the building after a request from the Quebec government. Garrioch may certainly have a point as it seems the Saturday night game between the Habs and Bruins was postponed easily, when the league has done everything it could to have other games take place even with teams struggling to fill out rosters due to COVID and other injuries.

"NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly says in an email the Boston game in Montreal was postponed for 'a variety of Covid-related reasons'," said Garrioch in a later Tweet. "Right now, Sunday's game [in Ottawa] is expected to proceed as scheduled. Fluid situation. See where this goes."

It is interesting that the Ottawa game is still on the schedule. The Senators are permitted to have 50 percent of their normal capacity at Canadian Tire Centre, but the team has been struggling to fill seats this season even without restrictions. A game between classic rivals like Montreal and Boston on a Saturday night would have been an easy sell out had fans been allowed to be in the building. With the postponement, the league and the team can reschedule it for a time when restrictions have been loosened. The Habs will be allowed 50 percent capacity through the month of January.

There's also this semi-related tidbit from Canucks reporter Patrick Johnston.

"One source suggesting an NHL-wide pause is being talked about, but some teams may push back because some of their upcoming games over the holidays are big money-makers."

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