And so, let us pause now to ponder the colossal stupidity of the lockout and all that it entails.

If you're connected to the game, if you're a fan, a journalist, a PR staffer, a player, a GM or an owner, there is a certain conceit connected to being a puckhead, a certain sense of propriety about The Game.

Whether it's part of your DNA, as is the case with so many Canadians, or you have just fallen in love with the game through other levels of exposure, there is for the most part a connection that is palpable, unique.

It's this kind of connection that allows players and owners to take fans for granted and regularly close down the game for their own good.

You'd think we'd be used to it by now.

Still, we pause to ponder the great opportunity lost, the great opportunity to prove that such sentiments were actually true and/or worthwhile.

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