from Emily Kaplan of ESPN,

- After the complicated situation where players' families were mostly prevented from joining the NHL bubble this summer, I was curious how teams would handle family members attending games this season. According to the CBA, each team must make available two complimentary tickets per player per home game, and a minimum of two tickets for purchase for each home and visiting player. In negotiations for 2021, the NHL and NHLPA agreed to an updated policy for this season. Each home player's group of guests will be seated in their own "pod" while keeping distance from other player guest pods. Teams were also told to designate a separate visiting player guest section.

If you've been watching broadcasts, you've probably noticed some family members in the seats, but not at all arenas just yet. Some markets still can't allow family members due to attendance restrictions from local public health authorities, though that could evolve as the season goes on.

- A few observations from players on how this season feels different:

"I don't do much outside the rink at all. I feel like I'm living in a bubble at home."

"They're definitely pumping the sound loud at the arena, but it's a different energy without fans. Sometimes [fake] crowd reaction sounds one or two seconds delayed."

And from a player on a road trip: "I think there's a team room we're allowed to hang out in, but there's not much to do just hanging at the hotel. Most guys will probably spend a lot of time in their rooms."

many more topics, a good way to catch up on what you may have missed reently...