I really don't understand why the NHL and NHLPA have to put hockey fans through this...
First, the way the game as we know it deteriorated on and off the ice...
Second, no good signs pointing toward labor peace as last season ended.
Third, the lockout begins on September 16, 2004 at 12:01 AM... no sight to when it might end.
Fourth, a complete waste of 5 months pass as the two sides don't get into serious negotiations until 5 days ago. Yeah, only Monday was it for real.
Fifth, talks came to an end and then Gary Bettman announced the cancellation of the 2004-2005 season just two days ago (57½ hours ago as I write this post).
For the past 24 hours, rumors have gotten louder that the two sides are to talk again? Within the hour, confirmation that there will be a meeting tomorrow?
And now,
The Hockey News reports this unplayed season might be saved?
Thanks NHL and NHLPA for yanking our chain, but I'll believe it when I see it. Another thing, with or without a deal happening now, Winnipeg is still pressing forward one way or another to be back in the very best league that will be better than ever before.
Even with a $45 million salary cap, we cannot say it cannot be done to bring back the Winnipeg Jets under such a new system. No way are those naysayers gonna win this. I don't care what they say.
Darren has led this cause and he's going to be successful. Sure, it would be preferred for a salary cap to be lower, but I believe in the fans and business community that if Winnipeggers want NHL hockey bad enough, ANYTHING is possible.
Here is
The Hockey News article where TSN has its source of information.
The Hockey News' Top Headlines section (February 18):
www.thehockeynews.com/en/headlines/detail.asp?id=27358&cat=954945254360Season saved Saturday?
February 18, 2005
The NHL season is expected to be "un-canceled" Saturday in New York.
A player close to the talks who asked to remain anonymous told The Hockey News the two sides have agreed to a deal in principle that features a $45-million salary cap. Asked if there was any way a deal won't get done, the player said, "not that I can see. I couldn't possibly imagine the idea that somebody is going to try to make a name for themselves in the last minute here."
Following two days of media speculation that backroom talks between players and owners were taking place in an attempt to "un-cancel" the 2004-05 season, the NHL Players' Association issued a press release Friday night confirming it would be meeting with the league in New York on Saturday. If the two sides are as close as expected, an agreement in principle could be made public tomorrow.
As first reported by The Hockey News, Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux are still believed to be major players in the process. Both are reported to be in New York taking part in the talks.
"I believe all (that) stuff is pretty accurate," said the player.
A second source confirmed Lemieux traveled to New York on Friday.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman cancelled the season Wednesday with the two sides seemingly within striking distance of a settlement. Though the components of their offers had some differences, the sides agreed on the basic premise of a salary cap with luxury taxes. The union was offering a $49-million cap and the league $42.5 million.
One NHL GM told The Hockey News Bettman’s decision to cancel the season had a lot to do with history repeating itself. In other words, if NHLPA executive director Bob Goodenow thought he was going to maintain his reputation of being a successful deadline hunter, he was wrong.
Since the season was called off, there has been considerable movement among the players as well as agents and GMs to do whatever is necessary to get talks started again in an attempt to save the season.
Detroit captain Steve Yzerman told The Hockey News Thursday afternoon he believed the season could be saved.
" don’t know if it’s necessarily tonight, tomorrow morning, Friday night or Saturday…I know the season has been cancelled, but it’s not too late to 'un-cancel' it."