from Tom Gulitti of The Record,

Many of the classic holiday stories include a villain who either redeems himself or is overcome in some way to leave us basking in the warmth of the spirit of the season.

The Grinch’s heart grows three sizes and he brings the pantookas and rare roast beast back to Whoville. After visits from three spirits, Ebenezer Scrooge wakes up Humbug-free and finds it’s not too late to change his ways and save Tiny Tim. Despite old man Potter’s best efforts, George Bailey realizes he loves his life in Bedford Falls and the town pulls together to raise the lost money.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a similar holiday miracle saved us from this latest NHL owners’ lockout? Like in 1994 and 2004, December has been a dark month for the league (October and November, too), and January could be even darker if the owners and the players can’t find a way to settle their differences and salvage the 2012-13 season.

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