NHL - Post Lock-Out

[sharkshooter]

I think both sides are equally to blame for what happened ...

I agree, to a certain extent - so how about the NHLPA head share goal-keeping duties?

I feel for the in-arena staff and local bars and restaurants. Even some of the players, who I think were held somewhat hostage by the NHLPA, but the biggest blame has to be with the owners.

Was the biggest issue not related to length and generousity of contracts? And, who granted the players those contracts? Was it not the owners who now want out of the terms they cannot afford (or at least the terms they want everyone else to think they cannot afford)?

It there is an issue with pay, the owners should just have refused to sign long expensive contracts - make the players come to the table with lower expectations.