How hub cities and NHL's ‘family dynamics’ could impact a reboot

From babies to bears.

That’s what you get in this week’s “Breakfast With Benz” hockey podcast. Brian Metzer of the Penguins Radio Network joins me to talk about the latest hurdle to the hockey reboot.

Offspring.

Not the band. The newborns.

According to ESPN, numerous hockey players are dealing with the conflict of deciding whether or not to play hockey in the quarantine situation of the hub cities or remain home for the birth of their children.

I’ve never been so upfront about an opinion in my life: I … don’t … care.

Wanna stay home to support your partner while your child is being born? Great. Do it.

Feel the need to blow it off, or rush back to hockey and insert yourself into a lockdown situation? That’s your decision.

I can honestly say no one should judge either way. No one should fault either call. And it’s no one’s business.

Just let those players make those individual decisions. And let’s not martyr them. In either Direction.

Major League Baseball played every year through World War II. Ted Williams took three seasons off to serve.

None of these players are exactly Ted Williams on skates. And coronavirus ain’t exactly World War II.

Despite what “Team #StayAtHome” may tell you.

The point is, pro sports leagues can play through tough circumstances. And not every player is entitled to have the league wait for them.

Move on. Lace up. Play. Or don’t. Whatever. Drop the puck.

Brian and I also talk about the hub city drama, the future of the Frozen Four in Pittsburgh, and Jason Botterill’s dismissal in Buffalo.

Plus, we talk about the most pressing issues in Pittsburgh these days: the Highland Park bear and renegade peacocks at the zoo.

Listen: Tim Benz and Brian Metzer talk about the latest hurdle to the hockey reboot - babies