Ellen Schmidt/AP
Vegas Golden Knights center Jonathan Marchessault (81) skates to make a shot on goal while center William Karlsson, behind, looks on and Minnesota Wild defenseman Jordie Benn (8) falls to the ice during the second period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Las Vegas.
Published Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021 | 11:38 a.m.
Updated Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021 | 12:47 p.m.
The sports world had an eerie March 2020-type feel to it this morning.
The Golden Knights game is still scheduled to take place today, but their opponent, the Boston Bruins, placed two players, including star winger Brad Marchand, in COVID-19 protocol.
It’s part of a disturbing trend in the NHL. About a dozen players were added to COVID protocols just today, with about 30 players in total in protocol.
The NHL postponed the game between the Minnesota Wild and Carolina Hurricanes because of virus issues, the ninth postponed game this season. But it wasn’t just hockey affected.
The Cleveland Browns, scheduled to host the Raiders on Sunday, placed eight players in protocols today and have gone to virtual-only meetings. As of now, the game is scheduled to be played.
In the NBA, the Chicago Bulls postponed two games Monday, and the Lakers canceled practice today after a positive test.
The Golden Knights do not have any players in COVID protocol but have not been spared from the virus this season. William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault, Mattias Janmark and William Carrier are all among players who have missed games in protocol this season.
Hovering over the NHL is the Beijing Olympics in February. Players negotiated participation in the games into their most recent collective bargaining agreement.
Vegas goalie Robin Lehner is the only player to have opted out as of now, but other Golden Knights and players throughout the league have expressed concerns over quarantine issues in China should anything happen.
