Hello N.Y. and everywhere else, welcome back to the Birdcage. In the event anyone from the NHL offices is still stopping by here at Hockeybird I wish to make clear this websites' position on using replacement players in the upcoming NHL season.

We reported last week about a focus group held by the N.Y. Rangers. Season ticket holders were asked to attend and according to those in attendance, the Rangers were trying to get a feel on fan reaction to using replacement players. This even included a discussion on what ticket prices would be acceptable. This doesn't mean that the NHL will use replacement players but it sure as hell means that it's a real possibility.

Now to be fair, the NHL does realize that they can not sustain another season without games and at the very least seem intent on having a full season. I view this as a good sign. That they thought that losing this past season was an acceptable outcome of the labor dispute shows how little they care for us fans......at least now they realize that they must play regardless of their motives (money). If you can assume for a second that the NHLPA understands that there has to be a season as well then you could argue that a deal will be reached.

But what if it isn't? The owners are at least looking at moving forward with games and I will give them the nod for that.

But that's where it ends for me.

After the polite nod I hope that I can make it crystal clear that in no way shape or form will this site support replacement hockey. No game recaps, no report cards....no nothing.

MLB and the NFL both tried this once. Do any of you recall how well that went? The attention (and dollars) of the hard core fan went elsewhere and I'd venture a guess that no real new fans were added. Canadian and American sports fans pay big bucks to see the worlds best.....nothing less. I believe it's safe to say that the same would hold true for the NHL.

I'd like to say that the NHL has enough smart people around who realize that replacement hockey will fail big-time. Of course I thought that they were also smart enough not to lose a whole season.

There are some who hope it does come to a replacement season. But not for the reasons you'd think. The utter and complete failure of such an endeavor would possibly force some teams to fold (the contraction which neither side will admit is needed) and the stage would be set to rid the NHL of the worst commissioner in it's history. While I agree that both are benefits, the scorched earth solution would take more time and do more damage. I'm too selfish to wish for that. I want real NHL games sooner than later. I want a deal, realizing that some problems would remain unaddressed. It's a trade I'm willing to make.

In regards to the possible rules changes you and I have been reading about, I'm at a loss for words to truly describe my anger. As if losing a season wasn't bad enough, now I have to endure additional insults by watching the sport I love being essentially "dumbed down" in an attempt to attract non-hockey fans?

You hear over and over that the game needs more scoring. I disagree. Case in point, I was watching game 7 of the 1994 Conference finals the other day. One could argue that the game was one of the top ten games ever played in NHL history. John Davidson, in his commentary went out of his way to praise both teams for the way they represented this great sport. Need I remind you that the score was 1-0 until only 7 seconds remained in the third period? Do I also have to remind you that the first overtime was scoreless? Stephen Mattaeu's game winner came 7 minutes into the second overtime making the score of one of the greatest games ever played 2-1. Not 6-5, not 8-7.....TWO GOALS TO ONE !!!!!

The NHL doesn't need more scoring. It doesn't need to eliminate fighting. It doesn't need silly uniforms and I can say with full confidence that it doesn't need replacement players. It needs to play games. Oh sure, some tweaks would be welcome. Bring back the touch up off sides rule. Rescind the instigator rule. Go back to the rules that were in place when the NHL was it's most exciting. Oh yeah.....don't forget to actually enforce those rules.

So, let's recap. In the event that the NHL tries a replacement season we here at Hockeybird will turn our preverbal back on it. Hockeybird readers are part of that hard core hockey community that the NHL has taken for granted way too long. While you are all of course free to do as you see fit, I for one will not be taken for granted anymore.

Replacement players on MSG ice will need replacement fans. I will not be one of them.

----}- Bird

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