When the last NHL lockout came about in 2004, I knew the game needed fixing and in some cases a major fixing. Even though I backed the players I understood the NHL's points and learned to live with them.

This time around, I can't grasp what the NHL is trying to sell to the NHLPA. Tweak something here, agree on certain numbers and guess what, we have a puck drop as scheduled.

The NHL believes the fans will come back but I am doubting that more and more each day. Like me, other fans knew the NHL needed major changes back in 2004 and this time around, fans can't understand the hard-line the NHL is taking.

When talking to the casual NHL fan it is almost embarrassing telling them the NHL is about to lockout the players, and yes, most casual fans don't realize the hammer is about to be dropped.

Will I still be a die-hard fan, of course I will but I will look at the NHL and the owners in a different way. Instead of thinking they have the fans on their mind while going through this process, I will now think of the as only having dollar signs on the minds.

That feeling will never change unless the puck drops on the regular season as scheduled.