Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning To Resume Series Saturday

The Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning will resume their 2020 Eastern Conference Semifinal series on Saturday at 12:00 pm. The game airs on NBC, and can be heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub. Friday night initially had Game 4 on the schedule for the Boston Bruins. The NHL’s players, however, elected to pause games on Thursday and Friday in solidarity with the NBA, WNBA, MLS and MLB in the fight against social injustice.

In addition to Game 4 being pushed back a day, Games 5 and 6 also have new dates. Game 5 will take place on Monday night, August 31st, at 8:00 pm. Sunday night initially had Game 5. Game 6 will now take place on Wednesday, September 2nd. Game 7, if necessary, will be played one night later on September 3rd.

The decision to postpone Thursday and Friday’s games came Thursday afternoon. Players in both bubbles discussed options, and talked with members of the Hockey Diversity Alliance.

Here’s the official statement from the NHL and NHLPA:

“After much discussion, NHL Players believe that the best course of action would be to take a step back and not play tonight’s and tomorrow’s games as scheduled. The NHL supports the Players’ decision. And will reschedule those four games beginning Saturday and adjust the remainder of the Second Round schedule accordingly.

Black and Brown communities continue to face real, painful experiences. The NHL and NHLPA recognize that much work remains to be done before we can play an appropriate role in a discussion centered on diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

We understand that the tragedies involving Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others require us to recognize this moment. We pledge to work to use our sport to influence positive change in society.

The NHLPA and NHL are committed to working to foster more inclusive and welcoming environments within our arenas, offices, and beyond.”