Every two weeks or so throughout the lockout, the NHL has issued a statement that more games have been scratched off the schedule.
It is a matter of course since the lockout started Sept. 15. Preseason games were canceled first, then early-season games in October.
November games were canceled, the Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium was canceled and then December games.
Finally games through Jan. 14 were ripped from the heart of the schedule.
The belief is that if an agreement between the NHL and the NHL Players' Association is not reached by Jan. 15, the season will be gone.
It is not a hard deadline. It is the belief of those close to the game on both sides that there cannot be a legitimate season unless at least 48 games are played. It would be difficult to play that many games if the two sides don't come to an agreement by then so legitimate games can be played by the end of January or Feb. 1 at the latest.
Putting a hard deadline on the season cancellation date might be the best thing to end the lockout.
It will put an end to speculation about the end of the season. Everyone will know that it is coming ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Steve Silverman
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