Line Change (Lockout: Day 5,497)
So I see that the NHLPA has filed some sort of an unfair labor practices suit against the NHL. I see that the NHL has filed some sort of a countersuit against the NHLPA. The June Entry Draft has been cancelled. Yawn. Let me make this pefectly clear: I don't care. I don't want these things to be news. I don't want to hear from either side in this dispute. I don't want to hear about suits and countersuits. I don't want to hear about any talks that are or aren't taking place. I don't want to hear either side accusing the other of not being nice or not being reasonable or whatever. Neither side deserves or will get my sympathy. I don't want to hear a thing until they settle this. Just go away and shut up and lock everybody in a room and subject them to non-stop polka music until you reach an agreement. That's the next thing I want to hear from you. The first thing they need to do is fire Gary Bettman and Bob Goodenow. There's too much personal animosity between the two of them, and it's counter-productive. This thing is bigger than any two men. Much bigger.
I don't think anybody really wants to see replacement players long-term. I know I don't. I won't watch replacement players in any serious way. The quality of play would be no better, in this strongest of all U.S. hockey markets, than what I could see watching my Minnesota Golden Gophers. I may tune in once or twice out of curiosity just to see how bad they are. I remember how horrible the replacement MLB players were that time. I suppose if we get them, though, their very presence on NHL ice might provide the impetus that finally settles this blood feud. If the league goes ahead with scabs as they've given every indication that they intend to do, the degree to which they're welcomed and supported (or not welcomed and not supported) by hockey fans will determine the next move of each side. If the fans come out to the arenas and support the scabs and the owners can make money that way, the union will be forced to cave. If the fans stay away in droves, the owners will continue to lose money and the pressure will be on them to get a deal done. So, in the broader interest, I would say, "Bring on the scabs!" The situation can't get any worse or more tragically comical (comically tragic?), so let's do it.
Obviously, I hope it won't come to that. Cooler, more sensible heads must prevail.
Cheers!
I don't think anybody really wants to see replacement players long-term. I know I don't. I won't watch replacement players in any serious way. The quality of play would be no better, in this strongest of all U.S. hockey markets, than what I could see watching my Minnesota Golden Gophers. I may tune in once or twice out of curiosity just to see how bad they are. I remember how horrible the replacement MLB players were that time. I suppose if we get them, though, their very presence on NHL ice might provide the impetus that finally settles this blood feud. If the league goes ahead with scabs as they've given every indication that they intend to do, the degree to which they're welcomed and supported (or not welcomed and not supported) by hockey fans will determine the next move of each side. If the fans come out to the arenas and support the scabs and the owners can make money that way, the union will be forced to cave. If the fans stay away in droves, the owners will continue to lose money and the pressure will be on them to get a deal done. So, in the broader interest, I would say, "Bring on the scabs!" The situation can't get any worse or more tragically comical (comically tragic?), so let's do it.
Obviously, I hope it won't come to that. Cooler, more sensible heads must prevail.
Cheers!
posted by Dave at 8:28 AM
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