For players, nothing the NHL does is even a shock anymore. Not even canceling a months worth of games, as the league did on Friday afternoon, raises eyebrows anymore.
Theyre still going down that road that theyre going to keep exercising the power they have to try and lock us out, to try and cancel games to try and sway us their way, said Jonathan Toews prior to the Champs for Charity game at Allstate Arena on Friday night. Well see what happens in the next little while.
What happened Friday was, what Blackhawks defenseman and player representative Steve Montador called a dagger in the heart of all hockey fans and players.
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We could come to deal and play some games in November, though unlikely at this point. So for the league to cancel that many is a tactic in itself, Montador said. These actions do nothing other them to strengthen our resolve and motivate the players to do whats right or us and the sport.
Patrick Kane called the cancellations a scare tactic.
We knew it was coming, said Kane, who will be heading to Switzerland on Sunday to play hockey there for a bit. Still, he holds out hope for a new deal. I know with basketball last year, it started on Christmas Day and had a successful season. We want to be on the ice playing. This (charity game) proves that.
The question is, what happens next?
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It seems the two sides have talked to the media more than theyve talked to each other in recent weeks. The statements released by both on failed negotiations are adding up, as are the number of canceled games. And events such as the Winter Classic, which has become incredibly popular, could be on the chopping block next.
Theyve done all this so far because they can, Toews said. It doesnt matter how much we try to reason with them. I saw it in the meeting room last week. We worked very hard coming up with those three proposals. They dont have courtesy to look at it or discuss them. Its been proven over time theyre on a timeline to see how much they can squeeze us for. Were just waiting to see what happens next. Thats why were staying patient. Thats all we can do.
On Friday night Blackhawks players, as well as others forgot about the lockout for a little while for the Champs for Charity game. It was a chance for the fans to see their favorites on the ice again, albeit briefly. Toews said the players understand the fans frustration.
Were right there with them. Its not fair to (the fans) and a lot of people who love the game, love coming to watch their favorite payers and team play, no matter what city theyre in, Toews said. You can have (the NHL and NHLPA) arguing until theyre blue in the face. As players we feel we have a lot of reason on our side. But at the end of the day the facts dont matter. (The fans) are frustrated, so you feel for them.