In an utterly predictable turn of events, the negotiations over the last 60 or so hours ended with a resounding thud not too long ago, as Bill Daly reportedly informed the Fehr brothers via voicemail that the PA’s latest offer was wholly unacceptable, and that talks would not continue any time soon and all other previous offers were now off the table.
Pardon me while I yawn.
Ed. note: This appeared in yesterday’s Piggies Weekly.
Hockey fans, particularly those of the NHL, have endured a lot over the years. Franchise relocation more frequently than the other major sports, dismissive to flat out derisive treatment by the vast majority of the sporting public, and most notably three work stoppages in less than 20 years. It is those injustices, both perceived and real, that have steeled the resolve of fans across the continent and around the world, even heading into what was viewed by all as yet another unavoidable labor dispute. But for all that grizzled determination and resignation to the fate, few could have imagined the absolute fucking stupidity surrounding this latest impasse.
If you thought last night’s action was just too blistering that the Hi Def made your brain and eyes hurt, well then you’re in luck. Today’s matinee in Rosemont can be found on U-Too, or Channel 248 for local Comcast victims. Not sure if local DirecTV/Dish patrons get that on their lineup, or if they do where it is.The only hope is that it doesn’t go into a shootout again and cut into Green Acres reruns, assuming the roof doesn’t get ripped off the arena by the tornadoes in the area first.
With word today coming out that ESPN3 will broadcast KHL games, if fans didn’t feel manipulated and used as leverage in this idiotic lockout, they should now. I know I do. Something about this just feels more unseemly than the usual press conference posturing of Donald Fehr and Gary Bettman.
Not that it’s unexpected, but the NHL has cancelled all preseason games through the end of September, as noted by everyone on Twitter.
#Blackhawks had four preseason games scheduled in September. They have all been cancelled.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) September 19, 2012
While it’s no great loss to cancel games that don’t matter which season ticket holders are required to pay for, it’s yet another harbinger of doom as both sides engage in the world’s stupidest staring contest.
Here we are. The air’s a little bit easier to breathe out here in the internet wasteland, out from under the safe cover of a parent network. But it’s good for us. It builds character.
And it’s with that said that on behalf of Sam and Killion, I’d like to formally welcome you to The Committed Indian. Whether you’re new here, or just following us from a previous venture, we’re glad to have you. After the jump, we’ll delve into some of the particulars about the site.