The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic led to the season being suspended indefinitely on March 12, 2020.
In May, the NHL and National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) agreed to a framework for the resumption of play. The remainder of the regular season was cancelled, with the top 12 teams in each conference (by points percentage) competing in a modified and expanded Stanley Cup playoffs.
The season finally ended on September 28, 2020, with the Tampa Bay Lightning defeating the Dallas Stars 4-2 in the Stanley Cup Final series.