As we are well into our self-isolation period, the closest thing we can get to sports are virtual sports and video games.  With the NHL season suspended indefinitely, we as fans deeply miss watching our favorite teams play.The original game of the month for March was scheduled for March 15 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.  However, since all games have been postponed, I’ve decided it would be cool to simulate a game on NHL 20 and chose yesterday’s Islanders Flyers contest.
How It Worked
I set each team’s lineup to the same as it was for their last game played before the season’s pause.  However, for the Islanders Johnny Boychuk and Casey Cizikas made their returns as I assumed they would be back by now.  I tried to adjust the game settings to where it would be as authentic of a simulation it could be.  Then, I just started up the game and watched as if it was broadcasted on MSG Plus, but minus the voices of Brendan Burke and Butch Goring.  Instead, I sadly had to hear Snoop Dogg for the second period.
The Game
Well, being that the Isles were winless in their last seven games before the season’s pause, I got to witness the Isles win their first game in over a month.  It was a huge game in Philadelphia as the division rivals are still battling for a playoff spot.  The Isles jumped out to a 1-0 lead early into the game, thanks to Josh Bailey, who buried one off of a pass from Derick Brassard.
The second period was all Isles as they dominated the Flyers, but could only pot one goal.  Josh Bailey netted his second of the game, on the power-play, which was assisted by Jordan Eberle and Anders Lee.

The third period was back and forth action with both teams trading chances.  Time was running out on the Flyers, so Carter Hart was sent to the bench for an extra-man.  The Flyers failed to keep possession in the offensive zone and Brock Nelson skated the puck down and put it into the empty net, to seal the deal.  The Isles went on to win 3-0.
A Look Ahead
The way the COVID-19 outbreak has been, it’s almost impossible to predict what’s going to happen in the future.  If the NHL doesn’t resume anytime next month, expect another simulation, but since it would be in playoff season, I might do a full simulation of the NHL Playoffs.  Stay tuned!
Game Stats
Score:  Islanders 3-Flyers 0
Shots:  Islanders 31-Flyers 24
Hits:  Islanders 8-Flyers 9
Time on Attack:  Islanders 7:59-Flyers 7:09
Faceoffs Won:  Islanders 20-Flyers 13
Power Plays:  Islanders 1/3-Flyers 0/0
Game of the Month Record
Real Games: 0-3-2
Virtual Games:  1-0-0
2019-20 Total:  1-3-2