KHL cancels remainder of playoffs

The KHL has canceled the remainder of the Gagarin Cup playoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the league announced Wednesday.

The outbreak forced a pause after the first round when two of the eight remaining teams, Finland's Jokerit Helsinki and Kazakhstan-based Barys Nur-Sultan, withdrew due to travel restrictions.

"It's unfortunate that we have to finish the season early, and it wasn't an easy decision," KHL President Alexey Morozov said in a statement.

"I'm sure that every fan, along with us, wanted to see the conclusion of the competition. ... This decision could not be delayed, all those involved needed clarity and certainty in order to plan effectively. We thank everyone for their patience."

The KHL originally announced it would take a week's pause to re-format the second round for the six remaining teams before deciding to suspend the playoffs until April 10.

It's not the first hockey league to completely forgo its playoffs. The CHL announced Monday that it has canceled all of its leagues' playoffs and the Memorial Cup.