from Dan Oldfield at CBC,

Both parties are taking stock, keeping an eye on their stakeholders, and envisioning ways to get out of their current situation. It will not be easy.

The biggest single problem? The players simply cannot accept the owners’ offer.

To do so this time would ultimately mean the end of the NHLPA. To accept the offer would clearly demonstrate that in the future — and forever — the owners need simply to threaten to lock the doors to get the deal they want.

In The Art of War, Sun Tzu warns, “Never surround the village.” What that means is that you must give your opponent an option other than fighting. In other words, an honourable way out.

Unfortunately, Gary Bettman and the owners missed that chapter.

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