No NHL this year

So Bettman has given the deadline for any hockey to be played this year. The one sport that needs all the help it can get to gain and retain new fans will see it's financial troubles worsen before they get better. With the owners standing strong, it is clear they are willing to proceed with hockey with or without the current player's union. I think the owners should then declare that the 2005-06 season will begin with replacement players if their is still no deal with the NHLPA by the time camps open.

Neither side is right in this disagreement. Both parties are essentially fighting over a pile of money, both wanting more from the pile. The pile will definately not be as big in the next few seasons barring some extraordinary feat(s) and the biggest losers in these sports labor disputes is always the fan... the very people that are so willing to hand over their hard earned dollar so other people can fight over it.... I love sports, but labor disputes hold a very special place of animosity for me... I used to be a HUGE baseball fan, but the strike of '95 killed that spirit...and it appears just in time.