NHL Lockout - Shortened Season The Answer?



Lets Hope This Doesn't Take Long...


I continued to shake my head when every ESPN show and now even "non-Sportscenter" shows leading off with the NFL Replacement Refs being kicked to the curb and the regular officials returning.  Why do I shake my head?  These are just the officials (the NFLRA to be exact) that were locked out.  There is an entire LEAGUE that has locked out its players, and there is no coverage to be found anywhere outside of the NBC Sports Network on the NHL Lockout.  Its one of the main reasons why I am contemplating the move to watching more of the NBC Sports Network than the 50+ ESPN channels.  ESPN covers only the sports that they have a contract with.  NFL, NCAA Football and Basketball, NBA, MLB, and NASCAR.  Thats about it.  Since ESPN doesn't have a contract with the NHL it would just assume crap on the sport.  Let me take a moment to allow my anger to susbide....

Okay, with that out of the way, it is blatantly clear that this NHL lockout is here, and possibly to stay.  There has been ZERO communication between the league and the players, and there has been ZERO positive signs of life for the upcoming season.  However, the league and the players are going to meet Friday, and although a deal won't be done on that date, there is a ton that can be taken from this meeting.  For instance, if the meeting lasts 5 minutes and the players union decides that they are done and walk out...that might be a sign that this thing could be a lengthy work stoppage.  On the flip side, if the meeting lasts long enough where there are some contructive talks between the two sides, then there might be a light at the end of the tunnel.  One thing is clear, both parties (owners and players) have been very open regarding the simple fact that they both want to get their NHL product on the ice as fast as possible.  That is something that I can't remember happening in the NFL or NBA lockouts of recent memory.  I also realize its easy to say that to reporters, but different to stand down on an issue or a conflict to get a deal done to get the players back on the ice as soon as possible.

With all of this talk of missing games and possibly a season, I asked myself...what about a shortened season as the answer?  I think there is a strong possibility that the NHL and the players will NOT have an agreement before the late October dates that would originally kick off the NHL season.  Nonetheless, going with a shortened season (like the NBA did this past year) could be the answer for the NHL.  The NHL could keep its division games and eliminate some of the out of conference games that will make the season shorter, but still have the rightful teams getting into the postseason.  My only question is this: If your favorite team won the Stanley Cup in a shortened season, would you almost feel like it wasn't as good as if it were a full 82-game slate?  I don't think there was any doubt that the Miami Heat was the best NBA team last year, and I don't think it would be any different for the NHL if they shortened their season in any way, shape, or form.  The Columbus Blue Jackets most likely won't jump out in a shortened season to win the Cup, but you have to think that the mainstays in terms of NHL dominance will be there in the end once again.

Lastly, this is all contingent on an agreement between greedy owners, and players that want their due.  They need to divide over 3 billion dollars by defining "hockey related revenue".  What is hockey related revenue?  Your guess is as good as mine.  I really don't care as long as the skates get sharpened and I get to watch my favorite team play this winter...heaven knows I don't want to watch the NBA!