Hurricanes-Predators game postponed due to COVID-19 protocols

The NHL postponed Tuesday's game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Nashville Predators set to occur at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena because of unspecified COVID-19 issues. 

In its brief statement, the league explained the decision was made "out of an abundance of caution to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and game day personnel and in consultation with medical experts." 

The Hurricanes defeated the Predators 4-2 on Monday. Per Greg Wyshynski of ESPN, each club was missing a single player for that contest because of coronavirus-related protocols.

The NHL added the rescheduled date for Tuesday's game will be announced at a later time. 

According to Predators senior communications and content coordinator Brooks Bratten, Nashville still intends to play at the Dallas Stars on Friday night. Carolina is next scheduled to host the Florida Panthers on Thursday. 

Tuesday's developments increased the number of NHL games postponed this season to five. The other four reschedulings were all linked to the COVID-19 outbreak within the Stars, but Dallas remains on track to open its season against Nashville on Friday. 

To compare, the NBA has postponed 15 total games since its campaign started on Dec. 22.