Where The High School Dance Is Used As A Metaphor During These Negotiations

Holding out for the jumbo size shrimp is this guy. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

From what I’m reading, the two sides are getting closer to a deal. Closer, at least.

But there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done.

How close are these guys?  I haven’t the foggiest.  I am encouraged that both sides haven’t huffed themselves away from the table so far, and that both appear to be genuinely interested in meeting tomorrow.

As good as that sounds, it’s also somewhat concerning that Gary Bettman isn’t saying much of anything, and some analysts aren’t sure if any progress is being made at all.

Both sides are like awkward teenagers, trying to figure out the most appropriate way to ask the other to the dance without sounding too desperate or awkward.  Both sides know what they want.  I believe that both sides want to get together and play hockey.  The players can’t look too desperate, or the owners will sense weakness and expose it.  Same goes for the owners.  No one is going to take the desperate one to the dance without making them look stupid in front of everyone’s peers, and after an uncomfortable dance, the desperate one is left hungover and wondering what happened.

Both sides are discussing issues to get to the dance.  Amnesty buyout?  Let’s talk.  The ‘make whole’ provision?  Sure, we’ll discuss it.  Again, I’m not sure how calculated these discussions are, but it’s encouraging to see both sides talking.

They’ll try again tomorrow.  Fans want to see something done by December 1, which would be pretty nice.

I’ll shoot for mid-January and a 48 game schedule.  I think even that is optimistic.

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