Hurricanes vs. Predators Postponed; CAR Reportedly Has COVID-19 'Situation'

The NHL has postponed Tuesday's scheduled game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Nashville Predators.

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported the decision was based on a COVID-19 "situation" involving the Canes.

It's the first game postponed during the 2021 NHL season that doesn't involve the Dallas Stars, who've yet to start their campaign because of a coronavirus pause.

Dallas, which has seen its first five games pushed back, is scheduled to begin play Friday against the Predators.

Meanwhile, 27 players have missed at least one game this season because of COVID-19 protocols.

The Hurricanes and Predators played the first game of a scheduled back-to-back Monday night. The Hurricanes scored three third-period goals and got 31 saves from James Reimer to pick up the 4-2 win.

Carolina is next scheduled to play Thursday and Saturday against the Florida Panthers. Playing the same team two straight times is far more common this season to help streamline travel schedules amid the pandemic.

Nashville faces the Stars on Friday and Sunday.

The Predators don't play another road series against the Canes until May 7-8, which is the final set of the regular season. It's unclear whether the NHL will attach the postponed game to that series or try to work it in somewhere else on the schedule.

Seven games remain on the NHL's schedule for Tuesday night.