The NHLPA still hasn’t decided if they will file a disclaimer of interest. Do you think it would take four days for them to vote on a proposal that included 54% HRR from the league and no cap on contract length? This is just another laughable step in an inexcusable lockout.

The best part is we all know we are getting closer to a decision regarding the 2013 season and yesterday Bill Daly admitted as much on HNIC radio.

Yesterday on HNIC radio Bill Daly was asked by Elliott Friedman if there would be a season, he answered "Yes." He was instructed that he could only say yes or no, so yes was the obvious choice, but that wasn’t the comment that grabbed my attention. 

"I don’t think setting an absolute [drop dead] date serves a purpose [in negotiations] at this point, but certainly everybody knows the neighbourhood we’re talking about," he said when discussing a possible cancellation date.

That neighbourhood is likely between January 10th-15th. If they don’t have a deal by then they won’t be able to have training camp and play 48 games. With the NHL and their Keystone Cop routine at the conclusion of every CBA, we can’t rule out them playing 41 games, so it is possible this could drag out until the end of January, but I still feel the 10th to the 15th is the final window if they plan on playing 48 games. (I’m sure according to governance of the league they can’t have fewer than 48 games, but I will double-check that.)

The question is would it benefit either side to put in a drop dead date?

I think it would.

It would force both sides to get back to the negotiating table, because if they didn’t their sponsors and fans would be more livid than they are now. Maybe I’m the naive one in thinking the NHL and NHLPA are aware of the damage they are doing to the game and their reputation, but they must realize that another cancelled season will cost both sides millions and possibly billions in the future.

It seems both parties are waiting for the other to blink, and if you put in a drop dead date that would force them to actually negotiate if they want to save the season. Sadly neither side is interested in trying to jump-start negotiations, because they are fearful any new proposal will be viewed as a sign of weakness. It’s beyond embarrassing at this point.

The other great part about a drop dead date is that we’d all have some closure. I’m guessing most of you still want a season, but having an end date would give us something to look forward to. I doubt it happens, because the NHL and NHLPA have zero interest in pleasing their fans or sponsors at this moment.

Is the lockout getting to Willis? He unleashed some venom yesterday towards those who don’t believe in shooting percentage. It was a good read, and nice to see some passion.

It is true that Pisani and Brule never produced like they did in the 2006 postseason and 2010 season respectively, but suggesting that an inflated SH% was the obvious red-flag might be simplifying things a bit.

I think Pisani’s battle with ulcerative colitis might have played a bigger part in his demise than his SH%. His 2006 heroics were incredible, and most sane people didn’t expect him to score that frequently. I also would think that considering he scored 18 goals in 2006 that suggesting he’d be a 20-goal scorer in 2007 wasn’t that outrageous.

Brule’s lack of production came mostly from his lack of confidence between his ears and his inability to stay healthy. It is true his SH% dipped, but so did his games played and his icetime.

I believe that advanced statistics have helped in the evaluation process of a player; however, they aren’t perfect or always accurate just like scouts, media or fans who just watch the game.

I recall many stats guys suggesting there was no way Ryan Jones could match his 18 goal and 25 points of 2011. Last year he tallied 17 goals and 33 points.

I’m all for using stats, and I think they give an insightful different perspective, but they also have flaws. Which only helps to make the debate of what a player might become more entertaining.

Yesterday we raised $4,650 due to some great bids by Michael, Brian and Darryl. Thanks guys. Today we will also be auctioning off three packages.

 Item One: A Premium Heavy Duty Sprayed in Bedliner and an Undercoat courtesy of Armaguard. It can be for any type of truck.

 Item Two: A signed and framed Keepers of the Cup courtesy of Pro Am Sports.

 

ITEM three: For the handyman or handywoman. $1,000 in Rona gift cards donated by me. I recieved these for raising money last year and since you helped raise the money, it is only fair to use it to raise more money.

 

 

All of the proceeds will go towards Santas Anonymous and the Christmas Bureau. Bidding goes from 2 p.m. to 5:55 p.m and you can call 780.426.8326 or text 101260 to bid. Thanks in advance. 

RECENTLY BY JASON GREGOR