Oilers, Leafs opt to bus over the border to avoid COVID-19 testing

The Edmonton Oilers and the Toronto Maple Leafs took their time getting to their U.S. destinations ahead of Game 3 in their first-round playoff series.

Instead of taking a charter flight directly to California, the Oilers opted to fly to Vancouver after their Game 2 win on Wednesday, spend the night in a hotel, then bus over the border on Thursday morning before flying from Bellingham, Wash., to California.

The Leafs also crossed into the U.S. by bus and flew out of Buffalo, N.Y., on Thursday.

The unique journeys allowed both teams to avoid COVID-19 testing. Current restrictions require people entering the States via air to provide a negative COVID-19 test, something not required at a land border crossing.

Asked about the decision, Toronto forward Jason Spezza responded with a laugh.

"That above my pay grade," the 38-year-old said. "I get on the bus when they tell me to get on the bus. I get on the plane when they tell me to get on the plane.

"As long as it all leads to the arena, I'm pretty happy."

Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft said the longer travel day was the smartest move for his group and that players were involved in choosing the itinerary.

"I think what you want to do is you want to make the best decision possible for your group and was one that we gave a lot of thought to," he said Friday night after the team arrived at its hotel in downtown L.A. "It was executed excellently today and we're getting ready for Game 3 tomorrow."

The team has not decided whether it would make the same journey if the series returns to California for a Game 6. The best-of-seven matchup is currently tied at 1-1.

The Leafs and Oilers aren't the only pro sports teams choosing to bus over the border amid the current COVID rules.

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