So finally, after 80 days of stringing hockey fans along the NHL and the union are actually talking again to try to end this damned lockout.  This week's marathon sessions in New York City didn’t result in game on, and after some renewed optimism we're back to square one with the owners taking their offer off the table.  We are quickly approaching the point of no return.  Even though Bettman cancelled the Winter Classic, starting the league back up January 1st is the only realistic time to salvage some semblance of a season.  I think both the league and the players know this.  Which why we are finally seeing a sense of urgency by both sides.

      But that is how negotiations transpire these days.  How many times have unions threatened walkouts, wildcat strikes or work action?  And then at the 11th hour something gets done?  But like I’ve said in the past, the NHLPA is not a union.  It’s a collection of rich athletes pretending to be a brotherhood.  On the other hand the league can’t go out and grab some lower paid third world workers to work the mines because playing hockey is a specialized talent few possess.  And so here we are.  A so-called union making hollowed threats and demands against owners who know without those workers they’ve got nothing.\

      Mark my words.  The NHL wants to start playing January 1st.  By my math they’ve got about 10 days left.  The clock is really ticking now.