Tim Benz, Seth Rorabaugh break down Penguins issues, impact of coronavirus on NHL

Full disclosure.

TribLive Penguins beat writer Seth Rorabaugh and I taped this podcast before the NBA announcement to suspend its season upon the realization that Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert had the coronavirus.

And by the time you listen to this, 50 more things may change with the NHL and its plans to continue its season with — or without — fans in the stands.

Or continue it at all.

Ironically, about an hour before the NBA suspended its season, I was told by someone with knowledge of the situation that the NHL was considering doing the same thing. Apparently, it was an option that was very much on the table.

Again, this is before the NBA went down this path. My guess is that they will be even more inclined to do so now.

Seth and I get in depth about how the coronavirus scare is impacting the NHL, not only from a league perspective, but from how the media is being told how to cover teams.

As far as on-ice play goes, Seth and I discuss all the woes of Kris Letang and how Mike Sullivan should handle his erratic play.

We also investigate goaltending, the notion that the Penguins play better when some of their star players are hurt, and what the win over the New Jersey Devils may mean moving forward.

If the Penguins do play Thursday night, it’ll be in Columbus against the Blue Jackets against everybody’s favorite coach John Tortorella.

As of now, the Blue Jackets and Hurricanes are tied for the two wild-card playoff spots at 81 points apiece. That puts both clubs five points behind the Penguins for third place in the Metropolitan Division.

Carolina also plays Thursday in New Jersey.

So enjoy this podcast. You never know. It could be the last one you hear while the season is still active for a while.

Listen: Tim Benz and Seth Rorabaugh talk about Penguins problems and the impact of the coronavirus on the NHL