BOSTON — The news broke as the Detroit Red Wings were going through their morning skate: Bruce Cassidy, head coach of evening opponent Boston Bruins, had been placed in pandemic protocol.
It’s become a regular occurrence in the NHL, as the virus sidelines people and postpones games. One of the Wings’ own, defenseman Danny DeKeyser, has been in COVID-19 protocol since last week, and the New York Islanders, scheduled to play at Detroit on Saturday, had two games postponed this week after losing multiple players to COVID-19 protocol. Like everyone everywhere, the Wings wish the virus would vanish; instead it’s a daily talking point, especially with the Winter Olympics two months away.