And the lockout is OVER!

[MrSnyder]

I still won't go to games this year other than AHL!

NHL, NHLPA reach tentative agreement, source says - ESPN

[solt0131]

[allhockey]

yea boys were are back- very excited. time to get back to business......good timing too! can close out 2012 in the red......

GAME ON!!

[benshobbies]

Love this news! Thanks for sharing! I'll be rooting on my bruins for the first time since high school! Really love the original 6. Hoping to pick up some nice PC Cards soon!

Benjamin

[murphy1313]

Originally Posted by MrSnyder

I still won't go to games this year other than AHL!

NHL, NHLPA reach tentative agreement, source says - ESPN

That's a shame.... I will however be attending as many Blackhawks games as I can.... I also will still attend AHL Wolves games also... I love the NHL.... I have since I was 5 years old and I'm 39 now.... It sucks what happened, but its a business.... I hope you change your mind and go and enjoy your local NHL team.

[Bottom9th]

Am I bitter about the lockout, sure! But I'm glad they are back.

GO BOLTS!!!

[BostonNut]

So what's it going to be? A 15 game season?

[cjsayde]

Shortened season... ? Yeah, I think the Devils can handle that (again)

[brewcrew8]

I hate the idea of a shortened seasoned but I hate the idea of no hockey more. Welcome back NHL!

[armyatc22]

If you go to the games your not a true fan

Just sayin

[SeanieTheMan]

A 48 game season? There's no point in playing that. The Stanley Cup won't end until the end of June. It's a bit odd watching hockey when it's the hottest time of the year. I wish they would have just cancelled the season, and then get the deal done and then have a full season next year.

[solt0131]

As a Pens fan, I'm loving the idea of a 50 game season. Big advantage for the Pens.

[BostonNut]

Originally Posted by armyatc22

If you go to the games your not a true fan

Just sayin

Then sign me up as the biggest non-hockey fan in the world.

[BostonNut]

Originally Posted by solt0131

As a Pens fan, I'm loving the idea of a 50 game season. Big advantage for the Pens.

You mean the REAL DEAL Pens? Is #87 gonna lead them to Cup #87 this year?

[nuccionino]

Originally Posted by solt0131

As a Pens fan, I'm loving the idea of a 50 game season. Big advantage for the Pens.

And when they get knocked out in the first round you will disappear from blowout.

[BAMBAM]

Originally Posted by solt0131

As a Pens fan, I'm loving the idea of a 50 game season. Big advantage for the Pens.

Only advantage is Pens fans only have to watch their heroes stumble around in their own end for about 25 games this year. Good move trading away the only center you had that could play at both ends of the ice.

AND........THEY'RE........OFF

.....................................................................

[migraine]

pucking cool.

[BAMBAM]

Wonder how many quad and groin strains in the first weeks worth of games ?
However, the shortened season COULD make the already awesome NHL Playoffs even better if the players can stay healthy as they won't be as worn down and beat up playing half a season. Sure the schedule will probably be a little compressed but it's still 30+ less games worth of pounding.

[Incarnadine]

I was a long time die hard hockey fan growing up in Alberta during the Oilers glory years, I'd watch any game between any 2 teams in those days. After the last lockout I watched next to no regular season games, I just tuned in for the playoffs, after this one I might tune into the Stanley Cup final, but even that isn't guaranteed.

It's not just the lockouts that have ruined hockey, those were just the final nails in the coffin. Lack of scoring, the "instigator" rule (players did a better job of policing themselves against dirty players before that rule), mag-nets (did you see many people crashing the nets and running goalies when nets were on posts?), teams being watered down by having too many franchises nobody gives a damn about.

So hockey is back, what % of former fans really care at this point?

[cardboardkilla]

Penguins win the Cup this year, don't hate. Can't wait to see the boys take it too Fraudy Giroux and the Flygirls!!!!

[Lenwood]

Real hockey fans don't go away because in the end it's about the greatness of the game-these stoppages are (very unfortunately) bound to happen now in all pro-sports from time to time but they're always worked out. I'm now incredibly psyched to see the on-ice developments and the upcoming releases based on the rookies that start out, which should be a good amount as they've been playing and teams will be trying to generate excitement from the beginning. UDS2 has completely ridiculous potential now.

[howethegreat]

YES!!!!!

After my excitement subsides im not sure if i want to spend $200 for 3 level hawks tickets

[ZappBrannigan]

If the Bruins make it to town I'll make that game, but have a bad feeling there's going to be alot of close location division games which means most of worst teams in the league will be coming here. Have better things to spend the money on than the Ancouver Danucks and Minnesota Wild.

[37Jetson]

I am thrilled about this news, but wonder what on God's Green Earth was gained by yet another lockout.

[Cardstomper]

LOVE THIS!!!!!

The Score in Chicago is already proclaiming Hossa as one of the buy outs. Doesnt look too good. Hopefully the Hawks can put in a decent run this year with one of the worst bottom four defensive pairings in the league. Ah, hockeys back, cant nobody hold me down right now.