Lockout Day 2, the Saddest Boogaloo
As we're all aware, the third NHL lockout in 18 years has begun and so has the battle for our sympathies. The Sharks released this official statement on tier site yesterday. An excerpt:
First off, please know that our fans and partners are our number one priority. Your enthusiasm and commitment to our franchise is unparalleled and something that we do not take for granted.
It's probably just the bitterness talking, but being lumped in with the Sharks business partners makes the message ring very hallow. Yes, these are all cookie cutter things prepared and shipped off to teams to use, but come on guys. You're trying to win us over, right? Try a little harder. Oh, that stamen you released? PLEASE. Like I am willing to buy that you didn't want a lockout from day one. You really want to win me over? Stop being a bunch of jerks and let the players play while you guys negotiate. That might help prove to me that you guys give a shit.
Meanwhile the NHLPA released this video, showing the player's side of things. I don't think it will sway anyone who wasn't on their side already, but it's nice to know that when it comes to PR battles, the NHLPA actually cares about production values.
The league really needs to work on their PR department. Maybe try ditching Bettman?
In other news, the Sharks already have a few players headed overseas:
Joe Thornton is heading back to Switzerland, family in tow, to wait out the remainder of the lockout with Davos.
Logan Couture is heading back there as well, as is Rick Nash, thus fulfilling a million HF board dreams by allowing the line of Thornton, Nash and Couture to become a reality.
Pollak tweeted that Murray is talking with Djugarden, as the current rules ban NHLers from playing in the elite league.
The Sharks say there are no plans for staff layoffs at this time, but who knows what will happen if this nonsense drags on.
16 men were sent to Woostah, none of them Sharks regulars.
Here's a nice list of players rumored and confirmed to be headed overseas.
