from Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun,

Now that the NHLPA has rejected the NHL's 50-50 proposal, it's clear the glimmer of hope sparked two days earlier has been snuffed out and replaced by the educated belief this season simply won't be salvaged.

And that's OK.

Truth be told, there were mixed emotions Tuesday when Gary Bettman and the owners surprised everyone with their first offering in over a month: While many fans and media types admitted it gave them an unexpected boost in optimism, they also added they were somewhat saddened as they were happy to watch the NHL continue to spiral into irrelevancy.

Now they can be happy again.

Bettman's latest offering was savvy as it gave the players a chance to save face -- a chance to get back to the bargaining table without looking like they were "caving" in any way.

What's more, it took some of the heat off owners and put it squarely on the players: Turn this down and the players look like the bad guys.

Right or wrong, that's where this is at. The players are facing the wrath of the dwindling number of fans who still care.

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