NHL: No new cases as puck drops Tuesday

Good news as the NHL resumes its season Tuesday. Of more than 4,200 COVID-19 tests administered in the last week of Phase III of the league’s return to play plan, zero came back positive.

There were only two positive cases among more 800 players tested in the first week of the two week period which included team training camps.

According to a league statement, all 24 teams competing in the Stanley Cup qualifiers entered secured zones in Edmonton and Toronto Sunday. Players and staff will be tested daily.

The first puck is scheduled to drop at 4 p.m. ET as Pittsburgh and Philly square off in the first of 12 exhibition games in 3 days. Postseason qualifying games are set to begin August 1.

Will we see a Stanley Cup finals? Will the league end up cancelling the season due to more positive cases? Does any team have an advantage?