This is SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NHL. Each week, SB Nation sends out questions to the most plugged-in Blackhawks fans, and fans across the country. Sign up here to join Reacts.
After a shut down, a bubble and a full playoff schedule, a new Stanley Cup champion has been named. The Lightning defeated the Stars in six games to win the Cup for the first time since 2004.
According to the most recent SB Nation Reacts survey, a slight majority of NHL fans thought the Lightning would redeem themselves after being swept by the No. 8-seeded Blue Jackets in the first round last year.
Fortunately for the Lightning, fans aren’t holding the odd end of the season against the team. Fewer than a quarter of fans said this season should have an asterisk next to it because of the stoppage and bubble.
But, fans don’t want to see any of the 2020 difficulties stretch into next season. Nearly two-thirds of fans want the NHL to hold a full 82-game season.
Prior to the 2019-20 season, the NHL last had a partial season for the lockout-shortened 2013 campaign when the Blackhawks started on a 24-game point streak (21-0-3) before their first lost. Chicago then won the Presidents’ Trophy for the best regular season record and went on to defeat the Bruins in six games to win their fifth Cup in franchise history and second in three years.
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