Well, if they're not taking, they're staying the same (which hasn't worked) or giving more (which won't work). It's the only logical option. Saying the system can't work is taking responsibility for it. They've said that the system they crafted isn't effective for the business. Look at the finances; it's abundantly obvious. Players in the NFL don't have guaranteed contracts in the same sense that NHL players do, the NBA has a better revenue split than the NHL and the MLB has a ridiculous amount of capital to play with.


- Michael_Stuart

Only taking from the players isn't the only logical option. Another logical option is the top revenue teams doing far more to help out the struggling teams. And I wish I could look at the finances. Record revenue was taken in by the League. We'd probably find out that they aren't doing as bad as they say they are. No doubt some teams are struggling. Simply saying the system can't work isn't taking responsibility for it. Looking within the League, and the League helping itself is taking responsibility for it. But they don't want to do that. They want to take everything from the players. I fully support a lesser share for the players. 50/50 is fair. Players have made to high of a revenue share in the past. But the League has to be willing to work with the players, and give them some concessions in return for that lesser share going forward.

When you sign on to invest in an NHL team, you're signing on to be a part of a business. Sorry, but I refuse to fault governors of a board for wanting to make their business healthier. That's why they are there.


- Michael_Stuart

I don't fault them either for wanting to make their business healthier. I fault them for wanting to take from the players to fix all of their mistakes.

And that's just it. They are OWNERS -- they are in control of the situation. It's like anything in the private sector. If the business is struggling, which it is (all this PA talk of record revenues is nice, but it's useless without looking at operating expenses to generate a net profit/loss statistic) then it's in the owners' best interest to lower wages. Firms paying out 57%+ of revenues in salaries to employees don't last long. It's an unhealthy business practice.
- Michael_Stuart

You're right, they are in control of the situation. And have been in control of it. They were in control of it when the last CBA was negotiated They were also in control when they were negotiating with the players on individual contracts. Now they don't want to honor them. That's taking responsibility? In what World is taking from others to fix your mistakes, taking responsibility? And look where were at? In a lockout apparently because of financial issues in the League. Whose fault is that? If they are in control of it, then who is to blame? As I said earlier, players need to take a lesser share. That is fair. But the League wants to take away a lot of the contract concessions from the players also. They pretty much want to take everything. So how is that taking responsibility?


Great quote from Ryan Miller

“I can't make sense of what the owners truly need because they want everything,” Miller said of the 77 day NHL lockout.

“That is why it seems like the finish line is moving.”

I have read some great stuff about him . I have a friend in Tampa that is a long time Bolts season ticket holder that sings his praises . We feel the same way about our new owner in Buffalo , Mr Pegula . The fresh blood in ownership is good and perhaps should have more of a role in these negotiations
- Maximum Signal

I can't agree with you more about MR. Vinik. As pi$$ed off as I’ve been about this nonsense, it's hard to hate on a guy/team that hasn't shown any negative backlash towards the community or fans. I've gone back and forth wanting to cancel my tickets and quit buying Bolt gear but yet I still pick up the occasional shirt and looking into another Jersey and haven't even given myself the chance to cancel the tickets. The options they laid out as far as refunds has been more than what I’ve heard around the league, I'm not sure what else you can ask for. This guy is nothing but a passionate owner who truly cares. If this was the previous regime running the show I've would have been gone for sure. Lets Hope they get it done today

I can't agree with you more about MR. Vinik. As pi$$ed off as I’ve been about this nonsense, it's hard to hate on a guy/team that hasn't shown any negative backlash towards the community or fans. I've gone back and forth wanting to cancel my tickets and quit buying Bolt gear but yet I still pick up the occasional shirt and looking into another Jersey and haven't even given myself the chance to cancel the tickets. The options they laid out as far as refunds has been more than what I’ve heard around the league, I'm not sure what else you can ask for. This guy is nothing but a passionate owner who truly cares. If this was the previous regime running the show I've would have been gone for sure. Lets Hope they get it done today
- Oomroy

Don't get your hopes up. Until the deal is signed, I'm not getting excited about a season. Still, I did purchase a bunch of Bolts gear the other day so I'm ready whenever the puck does drop.

Don't know a lot about him, but everything I read sound positive. I especially like the part about how he has maintained his commitments. Wish the other NHL Owners felt the same way.
- MJL

Tampa's ownership history across all sports is a list of dumbo's and goofy's. Culverhouse, Koules, Naimoli, Art Williams, Glazers, the list is staggering. Outside of the Davidson group for a few years and the Glazers pre ManU Tampa's ownership list is a disgrace. We have been screwed in every way possible in every major sport by inept or just plain greedy ownership. Vinik came in after the Koules/Barrie disaster and immediately turned his attention to the fans. In the first 2 years he spent $45M alone on arena improvements. Yzerman wouldn't have come to Tampa if not for Vinik. The Lightning Community Hero program awards $50K to a hero each home game and he has continued that this year in spite of no games. If not for Vinik my tickets would have been cancelled the first week of the lockout.

I can't agree with you more about MR. Vinik. As pi$$ed off as I’ve been about this nonsense, it's hard to hate on a guy/team that hasn't shown any negative backlash towards the community or fans. I've gone back and forth wanting to cancel my tickets and quit buying Bolt gear but yet I still pick up the occasional shirt and looking into another Jersey and haven't even given myself the chance to cancel the tickets. The options they laid out as far as refunds has been more than what I’ve heard around the league, I'm not sure what else you can ask for. This guy is nothing but a passionate owner who truly cares. If this was the previous regime running the show I've would have been gone for sure. Lets Hope they get it done today
- Oomroy

Agreed on all accounts. I haven't cancelled simply b/c Vinik doesn't deserve to be punished