The NHL and NHLPA Remain Unreasonable as NHL Cancels Games Through December 14 and All-Star Weekend

Photo by Noah Graham/NHLI via Getty Images

It's becoming clear to most that the real news of this NHL lockout isn't going to be when they cancel sets of games, but rather when they play the games. 

Today, after some discussions over the last few weeks that ultimately led to no compromises, the National Hockey League canceled games within the 2012-13 schedule through the day of December 14. In addition, the NHL canceled the All-Star Game and the festivities around it in Columbus, Ohio on January 26-27, 2013. Fans who purchased tickets to the All-Star Game and the corresponding festivities can receive full refunds.

It's definitely a very sour note at this point. Each day, the cancelation of the entire season is looking more likely. The NHL's players are totally fed up. There are even some that are against the NHLPA's leader, Donald Fehr. This is blossoming into a disturbingly ugly situation, no matter whose "side" you are on, and no matter how you slice it.

The NHL has officially canceled 423 games this season, including the 2013 Winter Classic, which was supposed to be held at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The game was to be contested between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

At this point, according to the NHL themselves, there remains a very significant gap between the league and its owners, and the NHL Players Association.

It's been 172 days since the Stanley Cup was won by the Los Angeles Kings. I'm sure that even New Jersey Devils fans can stomach watching that occur, to an extent, to remind them of a sport that is being dealt a slow and painful execution.