Sorry for another post explaining why there’s no podcast this week, but at least there’s a reason. But first, the lockout. I can’t help but be hopeful given all the negotiation that’s been happening the past few days. I wish I understood why both sides suddenly decided to stop with the press releases and start talking amongst themselves; some speculate it’s because of the Winter Classic cancellation, but really? No one saw that coming? For whatever reason, the “public posturing” section of the lockout has finished, and the “marathon negotiation” section has begun.  It certainly seemed obvious weeks ago that the two sides were not far apart, with the NHL practically branding their 50-50 offer (with supposed “make whole” provision) on the moon, and the players responding in kind with 50-50 proposals of their own.  Then both sides sat on their hands for a while- maybe they were scared about Hurricane Sandy? Or didn’t want to miss any Homeland episodes?  Even though all this time has been wasted, it certainly seems plausible the season could happen again, and some are even talking about a December 1 start date, and a 70-game season.

The out-of-sorts feeling is in full effect for me- I spent a lot of time sitting this week on the couch during the evening feeling strange.  I finally realized that this time of year, the 7-10 PM hours are almost always spent going to a game, watching a game, or thinking about a game.  I can’t wait for that feeling to begin again.

But alternatives still exist.  Scott Gomez actually signed a player contract with the Alaska Aces, who already have Joey Crabb and Brandon Dubinsky.  Seto just played with the Ontario Reign against the Bulls (who have a dismal record).  And Ryane Clowe signed a practice contract, but I could see him playing a few games, to get tuned up.

Here’s another alternative.  This is absolutely real, and explains why the podcasts have been sparser than usual.  Needless to say I already have tickets.

Master of the Hiz-ouse

We will be back next week, and I already have a guest booked, which I hope will make up for our absences.

There is no end in sight to the NHL lockout, but some players are moving to the ECHL.  The Dudes talk about that, where the Worchester Sharks are, and the long term ramifications of the whole mess.

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I was all set to record last night, but Doug had to back out.  I refuse to accept his pitiful excuse that he has a busy life, a demanding job, and a loving family.

We’ll be back next week.

Good discussion in the comments section of the previous post about the CBA negotiations, be sure to check that out.

The players have responded with three separate proposals, all which move to an even 50-50 split.  The owners have rejected the offers.  Now, it certainly appears as if games will be missed, and possibly the season.

There’s no doubt the owners gained the upper hand in the PR war by offering the 50/50 split first.  We will see if the players win back some goodwill by proposing their own.  It looks as if the big difference right now is the NHLPA wants the current contracts to be honored in full, some of which were signed only days before the lockout, without impacting the 50/50 split.  The owners offered to honor those contracts, but they will count against the future players’ share, which led the players to say it was “the players paying the players”.  I can see this both ways.  Under the owners’ proposal, on one hand, the owners will be paying those players their actual salaries in the future.  On the other, the owners will suffer no financial repercussions for signing deals that are incredibly rich (Parise) and oftentimes foolhardy (Ehrhoff).

As disappointed as I am, I’m still on the players side.  Perhaps there are important terms that have not been made public, but the latest proposals seem to decrease the player’s future income and contract negotiating positions from the previous CBA in every case.  The players’ proposed deal weakens them across the board; they get no stronger position in any area. If games are lost or the season is canceled, it’s difficult for me to believe how people can blame the players for that (“You didn’t capitulate enough!”).

The owners presented a deal that at first glance does not appear to be bat guano, and the Dudes are a little encouraged.  They talk about what is currently known about the deal, how it might affect the Sharks were it to be ratified by the union, and the Bulls game the DOH group went to last weekend.

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The Dudes’ trip to the Bulls game is coming up, and Doug does a full team preview.

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I’m glad to report that almost everyone that initially wanted tickets came through, and we have a impressive group- 38!  To those that are coming, I’m excited to meet all of you, and happy that you wanted to come out.  To those that missed out or found out too late don’t worry – tickets are still available.  Buy your own, and let’s meet up at the period break.

It may not be NHL hockey, but it’s still hockey.

It’s looking like it’s gonna be a while until the NHL comes back, but the Dudes are still here, and organizing outing to Bulls games.  If you want to go and haven’t emailed yet, you better hurry.  Deadline is very soon!

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Our schedules are a little crazy this week, but we are still planning on recording- it might just be a bit later than usual.  Also, if you emailed us about going to the Bulls game, I just sent a response with some details, so check your inbox.  If you are late to the party and still want to go, it’s not too late, but please email in the next few days so you can make it in.  We will have a really good turnout, and this is the time of year where I’m starved for hockey, as I’m sure you all are as well.  The Bulls may not be in the NHL, but the hockey will be damn good, and the experience lots of fun with us and your fellow listeners.

If you have listened to the latest podcast (which I’m sure you have), you’d remember we had a discussion about whether the Sharks would benefit should the lockout take much of the season.  I thought they might benefit, and Doug disagreed.  Look like Ryan Lambert of Puck Daddy is with Doug on this one.  Dammit.

Also, please email us by next Tuesday if you want to join us for the Bulls game on October 13th. 7:15pm vs the Bakersfield Condors.  You know you want to!  We’ve had good amount of responses so far, and we’re looking for more.