The NHL and NHLPA conditionally agreed that players' families could join the bubble by the conference finals; by that point, the number of people in the bubble will have dwindled, and the NHL will be operating only out of Edmonton. The NHL and NHLPA conditionally agreed that players' families could join the bubble by the conference finals; by that point, the number of people in the bubble will have dwindled, and the NHL … Since the Dowlings live two hours away, it was easy for Meg and Perri to make the trip. As needed, the league will also provide medical services like COVID-19 testing to players’ families. Teams in the National Hockey League's ongoing playoffs could see a few familiar faces joining the bubble during the Conference Finals. To join players Testing During the conference finals, the NHL allowed clearance for some families to enter the Edmonton bubble. The NHL is planning to integrate more virtual family moments into the Stanley Cup Final games, though organizers promise to work with both the families and the players to create something meaningful. Finally, the NHL acknowledged that the bubble makes it difficult to players to support their families at home, so each team will assist in providing grocery and errand delivery services to their remaining family members at home. The NHL also made an expensive investment to secure extensive Wi-Fi and cellular service in the bubble. With that in mind, the NHL is reportedly investigating plans to open up the bubble to players’ family members. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said it is “still up in the air,” but the league and NHLPA have worked out protocols. EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — The NHL is allowing some family members to join the Edmonton playoff bubble but is waiting on the Canadian government on the possibility of adding more. Two weeks after the Stanley Cup playoffs, the NHL is still finalizing plans that would allow family members to join players in the bubble for the conference finals.Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said final plans are “still pending,” but the league and the NHL Players Association have developed protocols. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/25/sports/hockey/nhl-bubble-families.html Sure, the league has done a good job in acclimating players and making them comfortable within the “bubble”, but there are certain things you just can’t replicate. 1:49 PM ET Two weeks into the Stanley Cup playoffs, the NHL is still finalizing plans that would allow family members to join players in the bubble for the conference finals. If you’re an NHL player though, things aren’t as rosy. The league, NHL Players’ Association and the federal government and Alberta provincial officials have been in discussions on the subject for several weeks. The NHL had planned on welcoming family members to the bubble when it was down to the final four teams for the conference final round that starts Sunday.