The NHL’s holiday break will begin earlier than usual.
The league is expected to suspend its operations beginning Wednesday, per multiple reports, with teams allowed to reopen facilities at 2 p.m. local time on Dec. 26.
There will be no testing or practices during the five-day stoppage, which comes as the league has seen a sharp increase in positive COVID-19 tests, resulting in 44 games being postponed this season.
Tuesday’s two remaining scheduled games will be played — Capitals at Flyers and the Lightning at Golden Knights — pending any new positive results. Eight of the day’s games had already been postponed, as were all four of Wednesday’s games and 10 of the 15 Thursday games.
On Sunday, the NHL postponed cross-border games through Dec. 23.