Sunday, February 6, 2005

Season hopes all but dashed

After nonproductive talks, no cancellation announcement seems to be coming soon.

By Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

Associated Press Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom works out at the Troy Sports Center, hoping to keep his skills sharp should the lockout end. Error processing SSI file Error processing SSI file Comment on this story Send this story to a friend Get Home Delivery

DETROIT-The opportunity for a meaningful regular season in the NHL is about over.

Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Bob Goodenow failed to produce an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement after two days of talks ended Friday.

Rumors were rampant that Bettman would cancel the season Friday. But no announcement was made, and none is expected in the near future.

Nor is there any hope of an agreement.

Yet, many people around the NHL are adamant about both sides working toward a new CBA and salvaging as many games as possible, with a springtime full of playoffs.

"I was one of those at the beginning that felt we needed to play half a season," said Brian Engblom, a former ESPN analyst who'll be doing broadcasting for the Columbus Blue Jackets when the lockout ever ends.

"I'm past the point now of a specific number and I'll take however many games we can get. It's just so important that we don't lose the entire season."

That's the view others share with Engblom.

"You need to get some momentum going heading into next season," said Darren Pang, an ESPN analyst.

Estimates as to how many games can, or should, be played vary.

Chances of holding a 36-game season - nearly half a normal regular schedule - appear slim now with no chance of getting back on the ice until late February.

Many hockey executives and players are now talking about maybe anywhere from an 18- to 28-game season with playoffs.

Or, maybe some sort of tournament for the Stanley Cup, with different ideas of how such a tournament could be held.

"That (tournament) wouldn't be my No. 1 choice, but like I said, if it means getting back to playing again that would be fine," Engblom said.

Many players are losing hope of a settlement taking place. But those who believe there's a chance of a new CBA getting negotiated say any number of games would be fine as long as hockey gets back into the public's mind.

"Whatever the owners want," said Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios, when asked how many games would be an appropriate number. "Especially for the fans and the vendors, if we'd play 15 games they'd be happy if we got the playoffs in. Something is better than nothing."

The fact there has been no deadline set by owners to cancel the season, gives the opportunity to extend negotiations and the possibility of a season into the spring.

"They don't have to get the playoffs in by the end of June," Chelios said. "There's nothing going on except baseball. The arenas are empty.

"As long as the fans and vendors get their fix, that's good enough for me. We'll do whatever they tell us."

But time is of the essence in salvaging this dispute. And even some players don't believe having less than a 30-game schedule would be the best idea.

You can reach Ted Kulfan at (313) 223-4606 or tkulfan@detnews.com.