I'm guessing Ek has more than one alias...
- MnGump

And the ability to look like a long-time poster.

*wishes was newbie*

The NFL and NBA were more popular leagues than the NHL is currently. The NFL generates too much money and is extremely popular in the States, they knew they couldn't lose a season. The backlash would be enormous. The NHL doesn't garner the same popularity as the NBA and NFL. Those sports have the benefit of ESPN shoving it down our throats, and in the States if ESPN backs you your going to be popular
- fudd1689

That's what makes a lost Season even worse for the NHL, then the NBA and NFL. That they aren't as popular. And losing a Season makes them even less popular. A sport as big as the NFL is much more capable of making it past a lost Season.

This is a little confusing! But yea, the fact that it's lasted this long. The process is certainly broken. I still have hope for a Season though.
- MJL

Yah sorry about that, reading the 10% games lost in 20 years thing blows me away.
I should have clearer in my frustration but I am too busy watching the Pens Vs Caps on the NHL network and the Flyers comeback vs the Bruins on YT.

Stupid addict =(

Pretty interesting discussion in the other thread about the shootings. Sorry, after the last 24 hours, I find it really hard to think or talk about something as mundane and unimportant as hockey and the squabbles of millionaires.

That's what makes a lost Season even worse for the NHL, then the NBA and NFL. That they aren't as popular. And losing a Season makes them even less popular. A sport as big as the NFL is much more capable of making it past a lost Season.
- MJL

I disagree.

What makes the NHL more willing to lose a season is that they are a poorer league and half of the owners are losing money.

The NBA and NFL owners make piles of cash. They are fighting for much less than the NHL. The NHLPA needs to realize they are not NFL/NBA/MLB players and cant compare themselves.

That's what makes a lost Season even worse for the NHL, then the NBA and NFL. That they aren't as popular. And losing a Season makes them even less popular. A sport as big as the NFL is much more capable of making it past a lost Season.
- MJL

Totally agree, this lockout is already damaging the hockey brand in the States. Sure the diehards will be back, but your casual fan that enjoyed a game or two will not. It's going to be very tough for the NHL to generate that popularity again. If a full season is lost I think you will start to see the negative effects in the US. Companies will be weary to sponsor the NHL in future years. This lockout is truly showing where the NHL stands

yes, they did settle. but, generally speaking, NFL and NBA players come from poorer socio-economic backgrounds than that of NHL players. NHLers, generally speaking, are rich kids. they feel more entitled and are much more spoiled. they want their way and will go down kicking and screaming. these are the kids that think they are above their bosses. they don't even understand the employer/employee relationship. these clowns think it is unfair for their employers to cut their wages. hello!!! this isn't about fair, and if you weren't such a bunch of spoiled brats, you'd understand that.

I will be stunned if these players come to their senses and choose to take a decent deal and collect 6 pay checks over 'beating Bettman'. they will choose to kill the season because they can't live with 5 year contracts and a 10 year CBA (oh, the horrors), and above all, they can't let that little nerd beat them.
- seanjohn667

Folks, re-read this post.

I read through hundreds of comments on various sites regarding the lockout, and like I see on most subjects, there are precious few who really 'get' what the real issues are, at their core. This guy gets it.

Reading and hearing the players' 'thoughts', and it becomes clear that this has become a personal 'battle' for them. It's an ego thing, plain and simple. Furthermore, they are individuals who have a very black and white, 'give up' or 'prevail' mindset. Bettman is their 'opponent'. And along with an irrational hatred for him, they have been brainwashed by their cult leader, Donald Fehr.

No different from past cult leaders like Jim Jones or David Koresh, Donald cleverly tells the players what they want to hear, and frames the negotiations into a battle between good vs. evil. The players are the apostles, and Bettman is Satan.

So, what's the solution? Unfortunately, there isn't one. We can hope the intelligent minority in the PA will persuade the cult followers to listen to reason, but what's the likelihood that will work? You can't reason with bulls. Stupidity & stubbornness may be a perfect recipe for a 3rd line hockey player, but it makes for a terrible business person.

Make that Broccoli Rabe -- nastiest food I've ever touched.
- Travis Yost

You obviously haven't tried Broccoli, covered in hot sauce at Churrasco's in the St. Lawrence Market yet. Best tasting healthy food ever.

There wasn't a serious hatred between the league and the players in those two instances, either. Contrast that with how the NHL and NHLPA feel about each other.
- Irish Blues

Yes there was. DeMaurice Smith was going from radio station to radio station "campaigning" for his side during the NFL lockout. And then there was James Harrison's "Roger Goodell is like a slave owner" gem.

If the players are going to vote on this then now is a good time for sane responsable players such as Hamrlik to come out and vote against a disclaimer of interest.

Not sure some bottom tier players and veterans in the twilight of their careers are willing to lose a potential second season over countless legal battles.

Folks, re-read this post.

I read through hundreds of comments on various sites regarding the lockout, and like I see on most subjects, there are precious few who really 'get' what the real issues are, at their core. This guy gets it.

Reading and hearing the players' 'thoughts', and it becomes clear that this has become a personal 'battle' for them. It's an ego thing, plain and simple. Furthermore, they are individuals who have a very black and white, 'give up' or 'prevail' mindset. Bettman is their 'opponent'. And along with an irrational hatred for him, they have been brainwashed by their cult leader, Donald Fehr.

No different from past cult leaders like Jim Jones or David Koresh, Donald cleverly tells the players what they want to hear, and frames the negotiations into a battle between good vs. evil. The players are the apostles, and Bettman is Satan.

So, what's the solution? Unfortunately, there isn't one. We can hope the intelligent minority in the PA will persuade the cult followers to listen to reason, but what's the likelihood that will work? You can't reason with bulls. Stupidity & stubbornness may be a perfect recipe for a 3rd line hockey player, but it makes for a terrible business person.
- Turkmenbashy

Bang on!!

I disagree.

What makes the NHL more willing to lose a season is that they are a poorer league and half of the owners are losing money.

The NBA and NFL owners make piles of cash. They are fighting for much less than the NHL. The NHLPA needs to realize they are not NFL/NBA/MLB players and cant compare themselves.
- Iggysbff

This isn't just about one year. It is about the long term future of the League. Losing the Season could set some of the struggling franchises back far worse then losing one Season.

Folks, re-read this post.

I read through hundreds of comments on various sites regarding the lockout, and like I see on most subjects, there are precious few who really 'get' what the real issues are, at their core. This guy gets it.

Reading and hearing the players' 'thoughts', and it becomes clear that this has become a personal 'battle' for them. It's an ego thing, plain and simple. Furthermore, they are individuals who have a very black and white, 'give up' or 'prevail' mindset. Bettman is their 'opponent'. And along with an irrational hatred for him, they have been brainwashed by their cult leader, Donald Fehr.

No different from past cult leaders like Jim Jones or David Koresh, Donald cleverly tells the players what they want to hear, and frames the negotiations into a battle between good vs. evil. The players are the apostles, and Bettman is Satan.

So, what's the solution? Unfortunately, there isn't one. We can hope the intelligent minority in the PA will persuade the cult followers to listen to reason, but what's the likelihood that will work? You can't reason with bulls. Stupidity & stubbornness may be a perfect recipe for a 3rd line hockey player, but it makes for a terrible business person.
- Turkmenbashy

Now it is complete. Now I have heard everything. Comparing Donald Fehr to Jim Jones and David Koresh. Absolutely priceless. You can't make this poop up.

yes, they did settle. but, generally speaking, NFL and NBA players come from poorer socio-economic backgrounds than that of NHL players. NHLers, generally speaking, are rich kids. they feel more entitled and are much more spoiled. they want their way and will go down kicking and screaming. these are the kids that think they are above their bosses. they don't even understand the employer/employee relationship. these clowns think it is unfair for their employers to cut their wages. hello!!! this isn't about fair, and if you weren't such a bunch of spoiled brats, you'd understand that.

I will be stunned if these players come to their senses and choose to take a decent deal and collect 6 pay checks over 'beating Bettman'. they will choose to kill the season because they can't live with 5 year contracts and a 10 year CBA (oh, the horrors), and above all, they can't let that little nerd beat them.
- seanjohn667

Agreed! I have had this same sentiment throughout.

Now it is complete. Now I have heard everything. Comparing Donald Fehr to Jim Jones and David Koresh. Absolutely priceless. You can't make this poop up.
- MJL

I'm comparing the commensurate psychology behind them, not the ideology or actions.

When someone purposely takes a person out of context in a 'we built that' fashion, it's clear they are trying to obfuscate a position that threatens them. That, or they're just simpletons and truly can't think on a level above the common earthworm. Which are you?

Let's go Blue Jays!

yes, they did settle. but, generally speaking, NFL and NBA players come from poorer socio-economic backgrounds than that of NHL players. NHLers, generally speaking, are rich kids. they feel more entitled and are much more spoiled. they want their way and will go down kicking and screaming. these are the kids that think they are above their bosses. they don't even understand the employer/employee relationship. these clowns think it is unfair for their employers to cut their wages. hello!!! this isn't about fair, and if you weren't such a bunch of spoiled brats, you'd understand that.

I will be stunned if these players come to their senses and choose to take a decent deal and collect 6 pay checks over 'beating Bettman'. they will choose to kill the season because they can't live with 5 year contracts and a 10 year CBA (oh, the horrors), and above all, they can't let that little nerd beat them.
- seanjohn667

So hockey players are spoiled and from a more affluent demographic?I read this and assume that they are more educated and less desperate.We all get that there are real problems with the NHL.Has the ownership actually addressed the finacial issues?Not at all if you go by such sources as Forbes.Just because most of us here miss our hockey is no reason to throw the players under the bus.I am shocked to see how most fans have ran to the owners side.If a deal gets done based on the most recent concessions then franchises will fall in the next few years.The owners will once again cry,we didn't get it right!

yes, they did settle. but, generally speaking, NFL and NBA players come from poorer socio-economic backgrounds than that of NHL players. NHLers, generally speaking, are rich kids. they feel more entitled and are much more spoiled. they want their way and will go down kicking and screaming. these are the kids that think they are above their bosses. they don't even understand the employer/employee relationship. these clowns think it is unfair for their employers to cut their wages. hello!!! this isn't about fair, and if you weren't such a bunch of spoiled brats, you'd understand that.

I will be stunned if these players come to their senses and choose to take a decent deal and collect 6 pay checks over 'beating Bettman'. they will choose to kill the season because they can't live with 5 year contracts and a 10 year CBA (oh, the horrors), and above all, they can't let that little nerd beat them.
- seanjohn667

Not being a hockey parent but having friends that are and talking with them about the expenses involved in playing junior hockey, especially here in Socal, this point should have occurred to me sooner. This is a brilliant take on why the players are behaving like they are. They are used to having everything they desire handed to them willingly and now when someone is trying to take something away they are throwing a tantrum. Donald Fehr is the enabler. This makes PERFECT sense now! Brilliant observation!

I'm comparing the commensurate psychology behind them, not the ideology or actions.

When someone purposely takes a person out of context in a 'we built that' fashion, it's clear they are trying to obfuscate a position that threatens them. That, or they're just simpletons and truly can't think on a level above the common earthworm. Which are you?
- Turkmenbashy

Youre on a roll.

You sir win my favorite poster of the day award

I say it's time for replacement players.
I'll even play for just $1000 a game.
replacement players!

Not being a hockey parent but having friends that are and talking with them about the expenses involved in playing junior hockey, especially here in Socal, this point should have occurred to me sooner. This is a brilliant take on why the players are behaving like they are. They are used to having everything they desire handed to them willingly and now when someone is trying to take something away they are throwing a tantrum. Donald Fehr is the enabler. This makes PERFECT sense now! Brilliant observation!
- duxcup07

The NFL and NBA were more popular leagues than the NHL is currently. The NFL generates too much money and is extremely popular in the States, they knew they couldn't lose a season. The backlash would be enormous. The NHL doesn't garner the same popularity as the NBA and NFL. Those sports have the benefit of ESPN shoving it down our throats, and in the States if ESPN backs you your going to be popular
- fudd1689

Currently?????!!!!??

NHL is "semi"pro.

Folks, re-read this post.

I read through hundreds of comments on various sites regarding the lockout, and like I see on most subjects, there are precious few who really 'get' what the real issues are, at their core. This guy gets it.

Reading and hearing the players' 'thoughts', and it becomes clear that this has become a personal 'battle' for them. It's an ego thing, plain and simple. Furthermore, they are individuals who have a very black and white, 'give up' or 'prevail' mindset. Bettman is their 'opponent'. And along with an irrational hatred for him, they have been brainwashed by their cult leader, Donald Fehr.

No different from past cult leaders like Jim Jones or David Koresh, Donald cleverly tells the players what they want to hear, and frames the negotiations into a battle between good vs. evil. The players are the apostles, and Bettman is Satan.

So, what's the solution? Unfortunately, there isn't one. We can hope the intelligent minority in the PA will persuade the cult followers to listen to reason, but what's the likelihood that will work? You can't reason with bulls. Stupidity & stubbornness may be a perfect recipe for a 3rd line hockey player, but it makes for a terrible business person.
- Turkmenbashy

And this is why I wouldn't be surprised in the least if they lose the season. The players can't just look at the dollars and what makes the most sense, they can't disassociate themselves from the "fight" and if some more reasonable players don't stand up they're going to hang themselves.

This isn't just about one year. It is about the long term future of the League. Losing the Season could set some of the struggling franchises back far worse then losing one Season.
- MJL

Teams who makes money will always make money, they will not be effected by this. The rest don't make squat or lose money. Those owners know they will get hit regardless. Get more cost certainty or why bother playing.

i was in a Canadian Tire today buying some lights and noticed all the Canuck stuff they had. It was all over the place... wierd stuff like Christmas Stockings with logos on them and stuff like that (By the way, happy birthday Jesus, to celebrate I bought a stocking from a corporation that..... oh I digress)

If you looked around the store, every other aisle as picked through and many spots empty.

The manager happened to be right there so I just casually asked if the Canuck stuff would go on sale soon. He said that it better. Not only is no one buying it but he often hears people comment on how they will never buy that stuff again.

Interesting.

Anyways... no merch, no way.