Sadly, it's looking more and more unlikely that the 2012-13 NHL season will start on time.
It would be a miracle at this point if the hockey gods could somehow convince NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHL Players Association executive director Donald Fehr to start up talks again - let alone come to an agreement - after it was announced last Friday they've recessed with no further plans of meeting before the Sept. 15 deadline, where the current collective bargaining agreement expires.
And this is what we're stuck talking about until it's resolved - if at all.
It's not news Boston Bruins fans or any hockey fans want to hear.
Normally at this time of year, player performances would be discussed and evaluated, like for example Bruins forward Milan Lucic, who was scrutinized after a disappointing playoff showing where the defending Stanley Cup champions were bounced out of the first round to the eighth-seeded Washington Capitals in seven games.
Can Lucic prove to management that he's worthy of an extension as he's set to be a restricted free agent at season's end? He might not even have the chance.
It's anyone's guess as to what's going to happen next. Will the NHL follow the NBA and have a shortened season where games opened up on Christmas? In this case, Thanksgiving would be the target. The Bruins are scheduled to play their annual Black Friday matinee game at TD Garden against the New York Rangers on NBC, which would be the perfect showcase.
Right now, the calendar is marked for the Bruins to start up their training camp on Friday, Sept. 14 as rookies are due to report at Ristuccia Arena in Wilmington. Full camp is suppose to open the following week on Sept. 21.
Even though the calendar says training camp is just a week and a day away, it's hard to process that into a reality.
Fans who already purchased tickets in advance are wondering if they'll still be going. And for season-ticket holders, they may have to wait until 2013-14.
Though it's frustrating wondering what's going to happen, the one benefit to being a Boston sports fan is having other winning caliber teams to focus on.
The New England Patriots kick off their season on Sunday against the Tennesse Titans in hopes of returning to the Super Bowl. High expectations surround tight ends Rob Gronkowski (1,327 yards, 17 touchdowns) and Aaron Hernandez (910 yards, 7 TD), who should be exciting to watch along with quarterback Tom Brady (5,235 yards, 39 TD).
Then next month the Celtics hit the court for their camp in Turkey and Italy where they're hoping some quality team bonding will lead into another championship like in 2008 when the team traveled to Rome.
And the Red Sox? Well, they can try to spoil the Yankees chances of not making the playoffs. That's something right?
Amanda Bruno can be reached at abruno@repub.com
world trade center quick silver where have you been rihanna kirk cousins mothers day ovechkin one world trade center
No comments:
Post a Comment