CHICAGO _ Patrick Kane scored two goals and Alex DeBrincat assisted on three as the Blackhawks pummeled the Sharks, 6-2, on Wednesday night. But even amid those fireworks, the game paled compared with bigger events.
News that NHL might be considering suspending the season or barring fans from games because of the coronavirus outbreak didn't seem to dampen the atmosphere at the United Center. Before the game, several fans told the Tribune they didn't feel at all at risk of contracting COVID-19 as the outbreak, which the World Health Organization declared a pandemic earlier in the day, rages on.
The NBA announced Wednesday it is suspending the season "until further notice" after a player _ identified as Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert in some reports _ tested positive for the coronavirus.
The NHL issued a statement later in the night saying it was "aware of the NBA's decision tonight to indefinitely suspend its season due to a player testing positive for the coronavirus. The NHL is continuing to consult with medical experts and is evaluating the options. We expect to have a further update tomorrow."
"I didn't hear about (the NBA suspension) until after the game," Kane said. "It's pretty fresh and new to me right now. I guess things are getting pretty real around here."
Duncan Keith, Brandon Saad, Alex Nylander and Dominik Kubalik added goals for the Hawks.
Call-ups Brandon Hagel and Nicolas Beaudin made their NHL debuts with family members attending.
The Hawks put the new blood to work right away, starting Hagel on the first line with Dominik Kubalik and Kirby Dach and pairing Beaudin with Keith.
Evander Kane scored first for the Sharks on a five-on-three power play. Timo Meier added a goal.
