from Elliotte Friedman of CBC,

At the end of the day, I've always believed the players want to play. The league counts on that, too. At the same time, those same players believed teams were going to crack. I've wondered how true that was going to be, but some of them are legitimately concerned about the season.

That seems crazy to hear on Nov. 10. There is no way the season is in any danger -- yet. But, if games aren't started by Dec. 1, it sounds like those in the league who don't want to lose 2012-13 are worried about the hardliners regaining control of the process. And they don't see enough progress being made.

Fehr can see that and he's trying to exploit it. That's why they took a run at him. They want to see if there's any internal dissent, pressure within the NHLPA to push him out.

It's a big game of chicken right now. What we wait to find out is this: did they weaken him, or just make Fehr's position stronger.

more of this which resolves around the 'Russo leak' earlier today...