NHL becomes first professional U.S. sports league to postpone schedule due to COVID-19

The National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association agreed Monday night to postpone five games scheduled for Thursday amid a COVID-19 surge, according to an NHL press release.

The NHL cited "COVID-related postponements" as the reason for postponing the games. The league is the first professional U.S. sports league to halt games completely due to the virus.

The delay will allow players to begin their holiday break on Tuesday, and the season will resume as scheduled on Dec. 27.

The Washington Post reported that 44 NHL games had already been postponed this season.