NHL teams show support for Black community with acts of solidarity

Several NHL clubs are backing the Black Lives Matter movement as the league resumes with exhibition play.

The Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins stood side by side before their exhibition game Tuesday.

The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs followed suit prior to their matchup in the evening.

The Boston Bruins announced Tuesday that the team will lock arms during both national anthems upon the league's return to play in support of the Black community.

"Over the past several months we have been trying to educate ourselves and learn more about racial injustice in our country and around the world. As a team, we have decided to lock arms during the playing of the United States and Canadian anthems as a sign of solidarity with the Black community," Bruins players said in a statement.

"This action is solely intended to be a positive sign of support for the Black community, and a way for us to use our platform to help end racism."

The Columbus Blue Jackets, who'll play the Bruins on Thursday, said they will join their opponents in their efforts.

Athletes and professional teams around the world have publicly condemned systemic racism since the death of George Floyd in police custody in May.