Lockout Looms

"I think it's fair to say we're far apart," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told reporters after Thursday's labor talks wrapped up for the day.

Super.

The owners want to pay less to the players, and the players feel like they gave up enough last CBA. What else is new? Puck Daddy does another good job summing up the day's discussion.

This quote from the NHL owners out of Bettman's mouth really got under my skin. When asked how the lockout could damage the league, Bettman responded "We recovered last time because we have the world's greatest fans."

So, forgive and forget? This could be the fourth league-wide work stoppage since 1992. Are a couple of revenue percents really worth it for the owners to stick to their guns? I wonder how much ticket prices will jump in Russia when all of the NHL players sign over there... Too bad the owners won't get their hands on that.

I asked Shelly Anderson of the PG if Mario or Ron had spoken out about the talks thus far.

Owners and NHLPA are back at it Tuesday in NYC, but it looks like September 15 will be when the lights go out for a long long time.