Di Pauli, new mode and a lake: Everything you need to know about the start of the NHL

Last season, the Tampa Bay Lightning won the famous Stanley Cup after beating the Dallas Stars in the best-of-seven final series. The best player (MVP) and top scorer was the German Leon Draisaitl from the Edmonton Oilers. What about Thomas Di Pauli? So far, one South Tyrolean has made it into the NHL, and last season of all times: Thomas Di Pauli made his debut for the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 4, 2020 and wrote South Tyrolean sports history. The Kalter native, who moved overseas with his family when he was a child, is also under contract with the Penguins organization this season, but was placed on the free agent list. Since he has not yet been approached by a new employer, it is unclear where and in which league he will be accommodated this season.

Thomas Di Pauli is hoping for further appearances in the NHL.

How is the season going? The main round was reduced from 82 to 56 games and the teams were divided into four new divisions. The 24 American teams play in three divisions, while the seven Canadian teams form a fourth. Due to travel restrictions, the divisions play exclusively among themselves in the main round. The teams were only able to prepare for the season in short training camps and there were no preparatory games.

The regular season is scheduled to end on May 8th. The playoffs also begin with pairings in the first two rounds within the divisions. The Stanley Cup winner should be decided in July. From the opening games onwards, there will be at least one NHL game on the program for 116 days in a row - this has never happened before. Will games be played in a bubble again? No. Unlike last late summer, when the preseason ended in Edmonton and Toronto, now everyone is responsible for themselves - and for the health of others. “Teams that will have no or few Covid cases can take advantage of this,” said Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers). Testing is carried out daily. The Tampa Bay Lightnings won the Stanley Cup last season. © APA/getty / BRUCE BENNETT

What are the consequences of corona cases? In Canada, a positive test is followed by 14 days of quarantine. Players in the USA need two negative test results 24 hours apart after an initial positive test. In the event of a second positive test, the player is considered a confirmed positive and must be sidelined for at least ten days. In the first testing phase before the start, there were already 27 players who tested positive, 17 of them from Dallas. As a result, the stars cannot start the season as planned and the team's first games have been postponed. Further relocations can hardly be avoided. What about spectators? Local, regional, state and NHL rules apply. As a result, three teams can let spectators into the hall at the start. But the Florida Panthers, the Arizona Coyotes and the Dallas Stars are also only allowed to do so at reduced capacity. Defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning are likely to have fans in the hall, but are still foregoing support from the stands.

What else is new? This NHL season also has something new to offer, and it's quite something. Two outdoor games will be played in February. However, they will not be carried out in a football stadium as usual, but for the first time on a lake. More specifically, at the Edgewood Golf Course on the south shore of Lake Tahoe on the border of Nevada and California.

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Di Pauli, new mode and a lake: Everything you need to know about the start of the NHL

The NHL will start play for the new season on Thursday night – three months later than usual. There are not only corona-related innovations, but also some unique extras in the best ice hockey league in the world.

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