NATIONAL (AP) — The NHL cleared the way for players to return to practice rinks next week and firmed up its playoff format even as a ninth player tested positive for the coronavirus.
Teams can reopen facilities and players can take part in voluntary workouts starting Monday.
It's another step toward hockey returning this summer. Earlier in the day, the league announced every playoff series will be a best-of-seven after the qualifying round and teams will be re-seeded along the way instead of bracketing.
NHL announces 'Return to Play' plan with Las Vegas as a possible hub city for playoff action
That news came on the heels of the Pittsburgh Penguins revealing one of their players tested positive for the coronavirus and has recovered from COVID-19.
That brings the total of NHL players testing positive to nine.
