TORONTO, ONT Players watching the opening minutes of the first NHL game in several months marveled at the familiar feeling from half a continent away. The most unusual playoffs in league history got underway Saturday with games in the Canadian cities of Toronto and Edmonton, Alberta. The dynamics are far different than usual: Its the middle of summer and all games are being played in empty arenas. But the big hits and fight from Game 1 provided ample evidence the Stanley Cup is still on the line. I hope this inspires a new generation of hockey players and hockey fans because Black lives matter, Breonna Taylors life matters.