from Mark Spector of Sportsnet,

They are drilling down now, to record lows in our game.

Talk of decertification shifted to votes on disclaimers of interest. A lockout gave way to a lawsuit.

It's not about who is on the power play anymore. Just the power play. It's all about the power play.

Nor does our game does have owners and players anymore. As of Friday they officially became plaintiffs and defendants, respectively, a "Class Action Complaint For Declaration Relief," having been filed by the National Hockey League in a Manhattan District Court, by a roster of lawyers. File No. 12 CV 9133, for those of you who are scoring at home.

The boards of today's game are oak paneled, the only stick a gavel. There are no hip checks or toe drags, but instead litigation, and a new term we despise: caucusing.

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