from Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun,

If the NHL manages to get its act together in time to play a 48-game season like it did when the 1994-95 labour dispute was settled, whatever remaining fans the league has will be in for a real treat.

Martin Brodeur thinks so, as the Devils goalie told La Presse newspaper in Montreal on Tuesday the hastily arranged campaign 18 years ago was akin to five months of playoffs.

“Each meeting was important,” remembered Brodeur, whose team won the Cup that spring. “The calibre of play will be strong when we go again. The guys can not wait to return. We will have good hockey.”

Shaun Van Allen whole-heartedly agrees.

“I think the times will be more exciting,” said the 45-year-old former Senator. “I think some of the weaker teams would jump at the chance to play a 48-game season, because maybe they get off to a decent start and they can somehow get in the playoffs.”

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