Getty Images Sure, it’s somewhat comforting that NHLPA head Donald Fehr says a season can start without a CBA in place and that the Sept. 15 expiration date isn’t a “magic number.” Still, with a hopeful start to next season not all that far away in October, most hockey fans would prefer to see both sides as proactive as possible. There seems to be pretty good news in that regard, too; Louis Jean reports that the NHL and its players association will begin meeting on Friday.
Full-fledged free agent Shane Doan might have said it best, though; things have a way of happening with more urgency when the pressure is applied. Having a meeting is fine and well, but having productive ones requires both sides to be respectful and cooperative.
(Surely the NBA and NFL’s CBA tug-o-wars included a mind-numbing array of meetings, but only one league avoided missing a significant chunk of regular season games.)
Still, with the free agent frenzy nearly upon us, it’s nice to know that the powers on both sides will already commence talks to increase the chances that all that wild spending could actually be put to a prompt test.
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One loss away from elimination.
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Dream match-up: Winterhawks, Seth Jones, advance to Memorial Cup final against Mooseheads
May 25, 2013, 1:03 AM EDT
Future of the NHL.
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Video: Penguins’ Neal scores a beauty to complete his first NHL playoff hat trick
May 25, 2013, 12:20 AM EDT
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Now, that’s a toe-drag.
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Was Friday’s loss his last NHL games?
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Penguins put on a ‘clinic’ in semifinal series win over Senators
May 24, 2013, 11:15 PM EDT
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Pittsburgh wins in five games.
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Bad blood, although this seemed unnecessary.
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Report: NHL to present Glendale with Coyotes ownership plan next week
May 24, 2013, 10:31 PM EDT
AP
Big developments coming out of the desert.
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Discuss: Penguins knock off the Senators in Game 5, headed to conference final
May 24, 2013, 10:27 PM EDT
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Await winner of Boston-New York.
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One-year, one-way.
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Kings’ Stoll skates for first time since Game 1 injury; has a ‘long ways to go’
May 24, 2013, 9:50 PM EDT
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L.A. can move to conference final with a win over the Sharks in Game 6.
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‘It’s because of the money’: KHL threat is real, says Blue Jackets GM
May 24, 2013, 9:19 PM EDT
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Not speaking about Bobrovsky, but in general.
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You be the judge.
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Report: Roy already kicking tires on possible Colorado assistants
May 24, 2013, 8:00 PM EDT
Including one of his coaching rivals from the QMJHL.
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Kunitz likely, Morrow unlikely (Update: correction, he’s in) for Pens in Game 5 vs. Sens
May 24, 2013, 7:01 PM EDT
AP
Dan Bylsma sticking with the same lineup.
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AP
“The NHL remains committed to securing the Coyotes’ future in Glendale under new ownership, and we believe Don’s long-term agreement evidences that he is equally committed,” said the deputy commish.
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McLellan: Burish ‘very close,’ could be in Sharks lineup for Game 6
May 24, 2013, 4:28 PM EDT
He’s missed the entire series with a broken hand.
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AP
“Hopefully, we’ll find that chemistry,” says Spezza.


