NHL cancels more games...Winter Classic could be next

We are still at a standstill in the CBA talks and no agreement is close to happening. The NHL announced the cancellation of regular season games through November 30th. This now includes 326 regular season games (26.5% of the season) that were scheduled to take place from October 1st to November 30th. Now there are rumors that the NHL may announce the cancellation of the Winter Classic by this Thursday.

I have stressed the negative effects this is having on the brand image of the league. The NHL as a whole can't afford anymore of this, but there doesn't seem to be any hope of having a season even (at this rate).

All I can say at this point is that this all has become ridiculous. If there is a season, the league will be in even more financial trouble. Teams are hurting and the lockout is not helping. On paper only three teams are making a profit (Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and New York Rangers).

Furthermore  the Winter Classic is huge for the NHL and has boosted the league's awareness around the United States. It has brought hockey into the homes of millions all over. If the Winter Classic is cancelled the NHL is just digging an already deep hole for themselves to climb out of. My question is, what will it take for both the NHL and NHLPA to see what is happening to the sport of hockey, the one they claim to love. The focus should be about what benefits the league as a whole, not just a few. Also, the fans that drive the sport and keep it going. They are the ones that has the league making a profit.

Looks like that has been lost to the NHL and NHLPA. The good of the overall league and the fans. This lockout is hurting the NHL, but the KHL is benefiting from it. They are expanding and even have games that are being televised on ESPN 3. Some players are thinking of staying in the KHL, even Ovechkin. Ovechkin said that if he didn't like the new CBA that he would stay in the KHL and not return to the NHL.

Only time will tell what the true impact of this lockout will be on the NHL. Even if that means new leadership for the NHL that will boost the league back up and prevent another lockout. Wouldn't that be amazing, one time that the NHL doesn't have a lockout happen.