Flyers-Capitals postponed as Giroux, Sanheim, Braun enter COVID-19 protocol

Tuesday night's contest between the Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals has been postponed, the NHL announced.

The postponement comes after a Flyers player tested positive for COVID-19 late Monday night, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.

Flyers captain Claude Giroux and defensemen Travis Sanheim and Justin Braun were added to the NHL's COVID-19 list Sunday.

The Flyers played the Capitals on Sunday after the league announced the club underwent rapid testing prior to the game, with all tests returning negative results.

Philadelphia is now the fifth team currently on pause due to the coronavirus. The Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres, and Colorado Avalanche are all also dealing with outbreaks.

Last week, the league enhanced its in-arena safety protocols in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The NHL mandated the removal of the glass behind the bench and is now enforcing more social distancing in locker rooms.

The NHL has been testing players daily, and the league has recently started to explore broadening rapid testing on game days to identify positive cases faster.

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