Source: NHL makes offer as time runs short

[Broons66]

Originally Posted by Jack Schitt

I barely follow them in the NHL anymore! If they put a crap product on the ice, I'm not going to support them out of some misguided sense of loyalty.

Jack, you know you want to see the Sabres/Bruins. Especially after Buffalo beefed up with Scott and punk Ott. Don't lie.

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by Broons66

Jack, you know you want to see the Sabres/Bruins. Especially after Buffalo beefed up with Scott and punk Ott. Don't lie.

Maybe. Although I bet half of those games between both teams will be snooze fests.

The problem is we all know how exciting the NHL can be. So having to settle for much less largely due to rule changes and how the game (on the ice and from a philosophical point of view) has changed, we aren't going to see that exciting product nearly enough. The game is just too broken and there isn't a quick fix. There are things that can be done to improve the game but the league has shown they have no interest in doing so.

[I_am_Belak_2]

Nick Kypreos is a pretty good source.

A source has informed Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos that a tentative deal between the National Hockey League and its Players’ Association could be reached within 24 hours, or the NHLPA could serve a notice to disclaim as early as Saturday.

Sources also indicated to Kypreos that the NHL moved up a proposed salary cap from $60 million to $63 million for the 2013-14 season with the cap floor being at $44 million.

Previously the NHL had insisted the cap top out at $60 million, while the players wanted it to be at $65 million.

Another positive step has appeared to be resolved as Sportsnet’s John Shannon reports the pension issue is no longer a stumbling block.

Following mediation Saturday morning, a small group meeting between the NHL and NHLPA began at 1:15 p.m. ET.

The U.S. federal mediator continued to shuttle between the NHL and NHL Players' Association on Saturday morning for independent sessions with each group.

Scot L. Beckenbaugh spent almost 13 hours conducting meetings on Friday, making the four block walk between the league office and the NHLPA's hotel on multiple occasions.

The sides haven't been in the same room with one another since a lengthy bargaining session that started on Wednesday night and stretched into Thursday morning.

With progress being made at that time, the NHLPA elected not to declare a "disclaimer of interest" prior to a self-imposed deadline just before midnight on Wednesday.

However, a second vote of players that wraps up Saturday at 6 p.m. ET was started which would restore the NHLPA's executive board's ability to disclaim. If it passes, the 30-member committee would have the authority to dissolve the union, which would open the door for anti-trust lawsuits and bring even more uncertainty to the bargaining process.

The NHL and NHLPA are seeking to reach an agreement prior to Jan. 11 to salvage a shortened 48-game season.

The sides have moved closer to one another with a series of proposals since Dec. 27, but still need to find agreement on the salary cap for next season, the length of player contracts, salary variance, the length of the CBA and pension plan, among other things.

The lockout enters its 16th week on Sunday.

With files from Canadian Press

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Source "tentative deal could be done within 24 hrs or #NHLPA could serve #NHL notice to disclaim early as 2day. Present meeting is huge.

Nick Kypreos @RealKyper

5 Jan 13

Told the pension issue was resolved a while ago. For all you Actuaries....it will be a Defined Benefits pension, funded by the players.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl-l...nues_saturday/

[Jack Schitt]

Originally Posted by Broons66

Jack, you know you want to see the Sabres/Bruins. Especially after Buffalo beefed up with Scott and punk Ott. Don't lie.

For sure I did. Every passing day makes me want to see it less. It seems like years ago the whole Miller thing happened. I'll just come here to see any highlights.

[Broons66]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

Maybe. Although I bet half of those games between both teams will be snooze fests.

The problem is we all know how exciting the NHL can be. So having to settle for much less largely due to rule changes and how the game (on the ice and from a philosophical point of view) has changed, we aren't going to see that exciting product nearly enough. The game is just too broken and there isn't a quick fix. There are things that can be done to improve the game but the league has shown they have no interest in doing so.

Totally hear you. The first thing I'd do is place a greater emphasis on division rivalrys like the old days. Let's see the Habs, Sabres, etc 8 times a year! And the B's can call up Robins and MacDermid for those encounters. I'm dreaming I know...

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by Broons66

Totally hear you. The first thing I'd do is place a greater emphasis on division rivalrys like the old days. Let's see the Habs, Sabres, etc 8 times a year! And the B's can call up Robins and MacDermid for those encounters. I'm dreaming I know...

Normally I would agree with you. But what good are more divisional games if the current rules in place don't promote physicality which ultimately leads to true or what I consider real rivalries? When I hear the word rivalry associated with the NHL I just shake my head. This day and age there is no such thing. The Habs and Bruins are the closest I suppose but honestly it's a shell of what it used to be.

And for those of you thinking I'm only talking about fights between two teams, that isn't what I'm talking about. I'm talking about a pure hatred between two franchises. Players that have battled against one another for many years. With free agency and players constantly moving around it's hard to have that long term hatred.

Anyway I'd love nothing more than to see the NHL like that once again. But unfortunately I know that isn't going to happen. Which makes it even more frustrating and damn near impossible to try and follow or even enjoy the league.

[Broons66]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

Normally I would agree with you. But what good are more divisional games if the current rules in place don't promote physicality which ultimately leads to true or what I consider real rivalries? When I hear the word rivalry associated with the NHL I just shake my head. This day and age there is no such thing. The Habs and Bruins are the closest I suppose but honestly it's a shell of what it used to be.

And for those of you thinking I'm only talking about fights between two teams, that isn't what I'm talking about. I'm talking about a pure hatred between two franchises. Players that have battled against one another for many years. With free agency and players constantly moving around it's hard to have that long term hatred.

Anyway I'd love nothing more than to see the NHL like that once again. But unfortunately I know that isn't going to happen. Which makes it even more frustrating and damn near impossible to try and follow or even enjoy the league.

Just a realist man, dealing with the sh*tty hand dealt me, ya know? But imo, familiarity will hopefully breed hate and discontent. Sure don't help having Calgary, Winnipeg, Edmonton, etc on the schedule. I miss the home/home grudge games between the Whale, Sabres, Habs,etc. Love hockey, I know it's turning to sh*t, but I try to stay hopeful.

[HordiBrusk29]

I hear you man. I used to try and hope for the best when it came to the NHL but I've just lost the will to do so. I'd love nothing more than to see real hockey return. I just don't see any indication of that happening. I only see it getting worse. Especially with all the focus on concussions and head injuries. It's slowly but surely killing the two sports I love, hockey and football.

[Boston Garden]

I feel strange being an optimist in here...but with the lack of anything to watch TV wise (I watch basketball and football is winding down) I'll tune in and hope for the best. The players should be energized and ready to go I'd think. I'm well aware the league has been watered down but once in a blue moon you'll get a great moment (Rangers vs. Devils 3-3 brawl).

It's just unfortunate that TV stations (in my area anyways) won't show the AHL or much other hockey. So the NHL is all I got by default, still won't buy merchandise or go to games. But as long as you accept the game for what it is now and keep expectations in check....perhaps we'll be surprised.

[Broons66]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

I hear you man. I used to try and hope for the best when it came to the NHL but I've just lost the will to do so. I'd love nothing more than to see real hockey return. I just don't see any indication of that happening. I only see it getting worse. Especially with all the focus on concussions and head injuries. It's slowly but surely killing the two sports I love, hockey and football.

True, the studies at BU have obviously changed the way both football and hockey are played in the future. It is what it is...

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by Broons66

True, the studies at BU have obviously changed the way both football and hockey are played in the future. It is what it is...

It is...and what it is sucks. And unfortunately it's ruining both sports. Some fans may be able to accept that and adapt. I simply cannot. So it truly sucks for fans like myself. Hockey and football are not the same without intimidation and that element of fear and danger. And by not the same I mean not as good. Maybe that isn't the politically correct thing to say but it's true.

[NJDevils17]

The NHL isn't as physical as it once was pre 2004 lockout, but it's still by far my favorite sport and favorite thing to watch.

I'm probably in the minority (in terms of people on this site), but I'm very much looking forward to the NHL hopefully returning within the next week or so. I would love to maybe go to a game before my winter break ends.

[Broons66]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

It is...and what it is sucks. And unfortunately it's ruining both sports. Some fans may be able to accept that and adapt. I simply cannot. So it truly sucks for fans like myself. Hockey and football are not the same without intimidation and that element of fear and danger. And by not the same I mean not as good. Maybe that isn't the politically correct thing to say but it's true.

Again, I hear ya loud and clear. I started watching football when guys like Lambert, Tatum, Mean Joe Green were playing. When I first saw my first hockey games, the B's had O'Reilly, Jonathan, Wensink, and Secord. Times have changed. I roll with it, no matter how much I hate it. Still love hockey, even though it isn't the same game I grew up with.

[FightingIsGood]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

It is...and what it is sucks. And unfortunately it's ruining both sports. Some fans may be able to accept that and adapt. I simply cannot. So it truly sucks for fans like myself. Hockey and football are not the same without intimidation and that element of fear and danger. And by not the same I mean not as good. Maybe that isn't the politically correct thing to say but it's true.

As a Pittsburgh Steelers fan (yeah, I know...dirty players, dirty team, etc), I can definitely agree with you. Jack Lambert couldn't play in today's puzzified NFL. It's difficult for me to accept the way both sports have become, which is why I pretty much limit myself to watching only Steelers games and mainly Pens games unless there's a "rivalry" game involving different NHL teams. Other than that, that's it. Both sports have been ruined as far as I'm concerned, and the passion I once had for them is gone.

[cookie monster]

Originally Posted by FightingIsGood

As a Pittsburgh Steelers fan (yeah, I know...dirty players, dirty team, etc), I can definitely agree with you. Jack Lambert couldn't play in today's puzzified NFL. It's difficult for me to accept the way both sports have become, which is why I pretty much limit myself to watching only Steelers games and mainly Pens games unless there's a "rivalry" game involving different NHL teams. Other than that, that's it. Both sports have been ruined as far as I'm concerned, and the passion I once had for them is gone.

It is pretty sad. Lambert wouldn't be able to play because he was too rough, yet the team is led by a rapist.

Pretty sad indeed..