Tahoe setting is ‘mic drop’ moment for outdoor games

Some players snapped pictures of Lake Tahoe and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains as they came out for their first look at the picturesque outdoor rink that will host a pair of NHL games this weekend.

Others just soaked in the environment before taking the ice for a practice that took them back to their childhood, when many got started playing hockey on frozen ponds and lakes.

It’s fair to say none of those makeshift rinks was quite like the one that will be used for the games this weekend between Vegas and Colorado and Philadelphia and Boston in one of the most scenic settings imaginable.

“Anywhere where they can build outdoor rinks, there’s always a competition on the street whose dad can build a better rink,” Vegas coach Peter DeBoer said Friday after his team practiced in preparation for today’s game against the Avs.

“Every year you come back and someone adds lights or a scoreboard. This is a drop the mic type outdoor rink. It’s the nicest I’ve ever seen. The guys really, really enjoyed it today. It’s awe-inspiring when you walk out there and see the mountains and the lake in the background. The only thing we’re missing is fans.”

Also missing are the San Jose Sharks. And that’s just fine with San Jose coach Bob Boughner.

“Yeah, it would have been nice to play in Lake Tahoe and we are the closest team to there and I think those opportunities to be there in the future,” Boughner said. “We’ve had the toughest schedule in the National Hockey League. To put another game on the schedule on the road in a big format like that, as a coach, personally, I’m happy we’re not involved in that game.”

With the COVID-19 pandemic limiting attendance at games, the NHL took the opportunity to hold a pair of outdoor games at a unique setting.

They built a rink on the 18th fairway of the golf course of the Edgewood Tahoe Resort, which is located on the shores of Lake Tahoe.

HURRICANES 5, BLACKHAWKS 3 >> Nino Niederreiter had two goals and an assist, and Carolina cooled off visiting Chicago, which had won three in a row.

PANTHERS 7, RED WINGS 2 >> Patric Hornqvist scored in the first and third periods to help Florida Panthers start and finish strong in a victory at Detroit.