[canuckrefguy]

Because they are professional athletes, the level of their salary is just beyond what we can appreciate. But take away that, and many of the issues in this labour dispute are the same as any other. We have two sides who disagree on the financial health of their industry. From the owners' perspective, the players' wage demands are too much for them to support and still remain viable. From the players' perspective, the owners are not doing as poorly as they say, and are trying to make the players pay for the owners financial challenges.

The players presented a proposal that would have at least been a good starting point - revenue sharing and a small wage rollback. But the owners won't even talk if the NHLPA won't agree to a salary cap.

On the other hand, most other professional leagues, ones who make a whole hell of a lot more coin than the NHL, have salary caps and revenue sharing. And their athletes don't seem to be starving.

It's important to remember that, for the first 40 years of the NHL's existence, the league abused, lied to, and took unfair advantage of the players year after year, while making obscene profits (for that time period).

I must admit, I don't get as pumped about hockey as I used to, probably just a "getting older" thing. But this is a bad situation all the way around - one that could decimate the U.S. portion of the NHL.

But it's unfair and ignorant to immediately blame the players. Last time I checked, good seats to an NHL game in Canada were well over $100, with concession prices through the roof, and fans being gouged at every turn for every conceivable part of the NHL experience. Yes, the players have to buck up to help the league's long-term future. But the owners aren't being completely truthful.

It just sucks all the way around. No Hockey Night In Canada. For Rut and all you non-hockey types, it's like going without NFL football on Sundays.