NHL postpones playoff games at players request to protest shooting of Jacob Blake

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INTERNET (AUGUST 27, 2020) (SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE - ACCESS ALL) (MUTE)

1. STILL IMAGE FROM NHL PUBLIC RELATIONS' TWITTER PAGE ON POSTPONED GAMES, SAYING:

"After much discussion, NHL Players believe that the best course of action would be to take a step back and not play tonight's and tomorrow's games as scheduled. The NHL supports the Players' decision and will reschedule those four games beginning Saturday and adjust the remainder of the Second Round schedule accordingly. Black and Brown communities continue to face real, painful experiences. The NHL and NHLPA recognize that much work remains to be done before we can play an appropriate role in discussion centered on diversity, inclusion and social justice. We understand that the tragedies involving Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others require us to recognize the moment. We pledge to work to use our sport to influence positive change in society. The NHLPA and NHL are committed to working to foster more inclusive and welcoming environments within our arenas, offices, and beyond."

2. CLOSEUP OF NHL STATEMENT

3. STILL IMAGE FROM BLACK NHL PLAYER MATT DUMBA'S TWITTER PAGE, SAYING:

"This must be clear! This is not a league mandated action this has been solely driven by its PLAYERS and damn I'm proud to stand with them!"

4. STILL IMAGE FROM BLACK NHL PLAYER EVANDER KANE'S TWITTER PAGE, SAYING:

"Exactly. The PLAYERS took a stand today, they stepped up. Proud of my fellow nhl PLAYERS for their action."

EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA (FILE - AUGUST 1, 2020) (NHL - Broadcasters and Digital: MUST COURTESY 'NHL')

5. INTERIOR ROGERS PLACE - WIDE OF CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS AND EDMONTON OILERS STANDING AT CENTER ICE WHILE MATT DUMBA SPEAKS ON RACISM

6. CANADIAN BORN DUMBA KNEELING DURING U.S. ANTHEM WHILE BLACKHAWKS PLAYER MALCOLM SUBBAN AND OILERS PLAYER DARNELL NURSE STAND NEXT TO HIM

TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES (FILE - JANUARY 19, 2019) USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES - MUST COURTESY 'USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES') (MUTE)

7. STILL PHOTO OF SAN JOSE SHARKS LEFT WING EVANDER KANE BEING CONGRATULATED AFTER SCORING A GOAL AGAINST THE TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

STORY: The National Hockey League said it has postponed two days of playoff games, joining similar moves by other leagues in protest over the police shooting of a Black man in Wisconsin on Sunday.

The NHL, which faced social media criticism for not immediately delaying matches too, on Thursday (August 27) postponed playoff games for that day and Friday (August 28).

"We understand that the tragedies involving Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others require us to recognize this moment," the NHL and its players' association said in a joint statement.

The decision impacts all the eight remaining playoff teams, starting with Thursday games between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders, and the Vancouver Canucks and Vegas Golden Knights.

The Boston Bruins were scheduled to play the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday followed by a game between the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars.

(Production: David Grip)