Stupid NHL Hockey Players: "We'll outlast the owners in a lockout"

[ShaneGR]

I take it they haven't noticed the ratings suck and attendance isn't very good. But never mind all that, we want MORE!

http://sports.excite.com/news/02072004/v0659.html

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - On what usually is a weekend of celebration, the NHL began digging in Saturday for what might be a long, cold, hockey-less winter that could bring seismic changes to a sport already threatened by low TV ratings and declining attendance.

As the NHL's Board of Governors discussed plans for a possible lockout later this year, the players who would sacrifice millions of dollars apiece during a labor impasse warned they won't cave in even if the negotiations last a year or more.

The conciliatory tone invoked by some players during last year's All-Star weekend has vanished, replaced by a more militant stance. The way some NHL All-Stars are talking, they're as likely to agree to a salary cap as the owners are to sell $5 tickets in luxury suites.

"We're ready to battle if there has to be a battle, and that's something we've talked about among ourselves," Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom said. "We've taken a strong stance since we started to talk about the upcoming collective bargaining talks. Players are willing to wait to get a good deal for everyone. I don't think any player is selfish and wants to think about himself."

[Muddleoftheroad]

1. Cost certainty

Salary caps mean that owners can budget and know exactly what their costs will be. This is essential in running a business. It is also essential to keep costs from skyrocketing because one or two owners doesn't care if he loses money.

But go ahead and kill the sport. Perhaps baseball will learn a lesson from the hockey stupidity and agree to a firm cap.

[jenk]

2. I used to love NHL hockey

In the early 90's at least, it was a perfect sport. And now what's happened? I don't even recognize the league anymore and barely watch. How many teams are there? 50? 60? What happened to the Nords???

[Cush]

3. Gary Bettman happened

[bubblesby2002]

4. And I blame him for everything bad about hockey.

He is a pompous ass.