Hello NY and everywhere else, welcome to the Birdcage. It's been almost one calendar year since the last NHL game was played and by all accounts, a deal to return to the ice seems to finally be close. Unlike that Saturday back in February when the season was cancelled, un-cancelled and then cancelled again, this time we have people on both sides reporting that after some more hard work a deal seems likely. I want to take a bit of time to examine the differences between this time and last.

As opposed to last time, no one is reporting (with any real credibility) that a deal is done just yet. What's been reported is that people from both sides have an expectation that a deal can be reached. That's a huge difference. In addition, the PR crap we have been fed since before this (the lockout) even started has subsided. What we are getting are comments from insiders, reporters and various other 'well placed sources' that the NHL and it's teams are gearing up for a '05-'06 NHL season. This is a significant point in that Gary Bettman and the rest of the BOG must now realize that the league can not suffer another dark season and survive. It is in the best interest of all parties involved that a deal gets done. Of course I have been saying that since before the lockout was announced. Had they listened to me we'd be getting ready for a Stanley Cup final game.

I am aware that several teams were not keen on the idea of a lockout. At least one team against it was willing to continue with the old CBA according to high level sources within the club. Unfortunately, the motive behind this position had nothing to do with us fans or the game itself. They wanted to keep a high value on the club so a sale would bring a better return. I can only speculate that the ownership of the Mighty Ducks may have held a similar position as it was well known that they wanted out of the NHL. One has to wonder what kind of back door deals were made to keep owners who wanted out of the NHL to side with the hard liners who are hoping a revamped CBA would ensure profits for those who wanted to stay in the NHL.

I think it's fair to say that not all 30 NHL teams have had the same exact feeling on what the new CBA should be and how to achieve such an agreement. It's equally fair to suggest with the NHLPA, not all players and agents agreed on a single direction for their side. It's my opinion that this built in dissention contributed to the downfall on that Saturday back in February. I believe that this built in dissention is no longer in play. No matter what side you are on, no matter what issue you have, both sides including all the various factions now understand that in order to get anything close to what they want there has to be an NHL season this year. This is why I'm confident that a deal will get done.

For the most part, the poker game is over. That's not to say it can't rear it's ugly head again but logic would dictate that both sides can see the pot getting smaller and even a small piece of something is worth more than a giant chunk of nothing. I know, silly me for assuming that logic could apply here but it's got to at some point, right?

The last few weeks have been filled with reports on the movement in talks. Even I posted news on a rumor and since had it confirmed that both sides desire and end to this mess and have begun to conduct business condusive to an NHL season. That's significant in that both the NHL and the NHLPA previously made statements that they'd hold out until they got what they wanted. Now they both seem to want the same thing, to resume playing games. Since Larry Brooks and the Rodent have made it clear that there is still much work left before a completed agreement can be announced it's very frustrating for us fans as we still have to endure reports about the actual negotiations. We're close, not so fast....here we go, hold the phone....you know what I mean. Trust me, you need to ignore this last part of the process. We here at Hockeybird have no great desire to be the first to report a successful deal. When it happens, you'll know it soon enough. Stop hanging onto each and every report, each and every word. This last back and forth is a natural part of the ebb and flow of a negotiation. Just let it happen.

Sure, you can take comfort in the fact that Larry Brooks has a regular NY Ranger article in the Post today that deals with Jagr's contract and pinkie operation. You can smile with the news that our Super Swede goaltender will be coming to NY or Hartford this coming season. Rest easy knowing that we will get a deal and there will be hockey. You can do this if you ignore the last little bit of give and take that's inevitable. Don't sweat the next two weeks.....ignorance is bliss.

It will be after the announced deal that we will have to pay attention. What will be in the deal, how will it affect each club, each player? I also expect that despite a public appearence of a partnership, reporters will be able to find sources who will spill the beans on a lot of the inside stuff we have not been exposed to. That might be as much fun as watching games. I also hold out some hope that when the smoke clears that we see the removal of Gary Bettman. Hey, it could happen.

----}- Bird

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