NHL players officially hit the ice for practice to prepare for playoffs

Evgeni Malkin (71), Marcus Pettersson (28) and the Penguins were back on the ice. Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

NHL players officially hit the ice for practice in preparation for season resume

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/10/20

While the NHL approved a 24-team playoff format last month, they still don't have an official date for when games will resume. However, the league entered Phase 2 of its return-to-play-plan this week, and it allows for players to return to the ice.

Players, in a limited capacity, can return to the ice with many restrictions and health protocols in place, but it seems many already are taking advantage of the opportunity to prepare for the season resume and the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

LOOK WHO'S BACK ON THE ICE! pic.twitter.com/BrJUd5VCPs
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) June 10, 2020

They’re BAAAAAACK (via IG/bmarch63) pic.twitter.com/rxkME6cyl9
— NESN (@NESN) June 10, 2020

Hi pic.twitter.com/UoYpLLpyK8
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 10, 2020

What a beautiful sight!

Chiasson, Benning, Russell, Benson & Skinner hit the ice at @RogersPlace this afternoon as #Oilers players are now permitted to train in small groups per Phase 2 of the @NHL's Return to Play Plan. pic.twitter.com/R8CBqbleU0
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 8, 2020

A maximum of six players can skate at once with no coaches or team personnel allowed. Players also must wear face coverings when they aren't exercising or on the ice. Participation in these practices is voluntary, and many players have decided to continue isolating in their self-quarantine locations instead of returning to the team's city.

The NHL still needs to decide the two hub cities that will host the 24 teams returning to play, but a decision likely will be coming soon as we head deeper into the summer months.

One NHL analyst, Stu Cowen of the Montreal Gazette, believes games won't resume until September, which would give players most of the summer off and the ability to begin training camps in August. However, full training can resume as early as July 1 provided the league is in the next phase of its plan, so it's possible we see games in August.

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