Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord-Barrington 
I think a lockout is probable. The NHL just isn't a big enough draw to make a lockout financially disastrous (NFL style) and the owners and players are miles away on some point. also, unlike Goodell who is tough but business minded, Bettman is just a moron so I wouldn't be surprised if he goes on a powerplay and locks out the players, just because.
I think a lockout is probable. The NHL just isn't a big enough draw to make a lockout financially disastrous (NFL style) and the owners and players are miles away on some point. also, unlike Goodell who is tough but business minded, Bettman is just a moron so I wouldn't be surprised if he goes on a powerplay and locks out the players, just because.
+100000. A 3rd lockout on his watch would be disastrous; there is no reason for three lockouts to happen.
What is really shameful is that all of the dick-swinging and posturing is over the economics while the game itself is in dire need of a change when it comes to player safety and discipline. Bettman is trying to wring every percentage point out of the players when the much bigger issue of discipline - which was rightfully by and large the focus of this past season - seems to largely be ignored. I will be infuriated if I hear Shanaban say "____ has been fined $2500, the maximum amount allowed under the CBA" again. I don't know what the perfect solution to the discipline issue is, but thats why these brain-trusts are talking.
I won't get into any conspiracy theories or funny business with the Coyotes being owned by the league and the ridiculous claims made by the league in their first offer, but the whole thing stinks. The fact that the league essentially came out with a giant middle finger directed towards the NHLPA with their initial proposal coupled with Bettman's promise of a lockout tells me we probably won't have a season this year. Yeah, obviously they are going to play hardball with their opening position but this is ridiculous. Fehr seems to be trying to foster whatever goodwill he can whereas Bettman has all the tact of a bull in a china shop. I will be extremely disappointed if after all of these shenanigans there aren't meaningful changes made to discipline; if all of this is the owners and Bettman trying to put themselves on better financial footing it will be even more clear that he is incredibly out of touch with the league he is in charge of.
Anyone up to speed on international leagues? World Juniors are a long way off...
![icon_gu_b_slayer[1].gif](http://files.styleforum.net/images/smilies/icon_gu_b_slayer%5B1%5D.gif){kind=icon}
