NHL

Today marks the return of the NHL.  After 4 months of fighting, half a missed season, and a deal that I feel could've been reached 4 months ago, they're back.  The lockout is finally over.

I have to say I am indifferent.

As I've stated before, I love the game of hockey.  It's been one of my favorite sports.  I've been to the hall of fame.  I've traveled to places just to watch a game.  I've gone to all levels of hockey, from beer league to leagues that don't even exist anymore. 

Every hockey player dreams of playing in the NHL.  I even had that dream once, but there was no way I was good enough to do so.  Athletic talent went to my sister.  I still play, but only on rec/beer league level.

The NHL returns this afternoon.  I'm glad it's back, but I'm not overly excited.  Over the last 4 months, I've learned to live without it.  Heck, thanks to Directv forcing me to change my package and my refusal to pay more money, I Don't even get the NHL Network anymore.  I'll still be able to watch my Capitals, but I don't feel as excited about them right now.  That might change in the next few months. 

So, welcome back NHL.  But don't expect me to come running back.  I'll attend games starting in January 2014.

Ravens-Broncos

I will be the first to admit I didn't expect the Ravens to beat the Broncos last night.  I fully expected a Broncos win.

Joe Flacco and the Ravens wide receivers made the Denver secondary look silly.  Flacco threw three touchdowns, two to Torrey Smith.  Smith beat what was Denver's best corner, Champ Bailey on both touchdowns.  Smith barely missed a 3rd when he had Bailey beat, but Flacco's pass was just a few steps in front of Smith.

Ray Rice added a touchdown on the ground, I believe his first in 4 playoff games. 

The Ravens certainly had a few calls go their way.  An interception returned for touchdown should have been negated by a pass interference call.  There were other penalties that went uncalled.

I'm happy for Ray Lewis.  He continues his final season one more week.  I'm also glad that the Ravens got to throw it in the face of ESPN, who said the Ravens had no chance of winning.

On to the AFC Championship!

NHL

The NHL and NHLPA reached a new bargaining agreement this morning, ending the lockout.  133 days since the lockout started, and they're back.

I can't say I'm as excited as people think.

I've been a hockey fan since I was 6 years old.  I love the game.  I've also been a Washington Capitals fans since that time. The previous lockout hurt, but this one really stung.  Hockey and the NHL were just starting to become popular again in the United States.  People I work with who have no interest in hockey would talk about it.  They knew my obsession.  However, with this current work stoppage there wasn't much to talk about.  I kept getting questions of "when is a deal going to be reached" and "why can't they figure it out".    I had no answers to the questions.

After reading the terms of the new CBA, I am not impressed with the "mulligan clause".  It basically  allows teams to buy out two contracts with no penalty, does not sit well with me.  That basically means teams that made a mistake can dump a dead contract. 

The seven year max contract is fine with me.  That should've been part of the last CBA.  Some of the contracts have gotten out of hand.  Signing a guy for 14 years knowing very well he won't play 14 years is ridiculous.  At least there is a second part of that that sets a minimum and maximum amount for each salary year is good as well.

I don't get the draft lottery either - use the NFL system.  If you're the worst team, you get the #1 pick, next worst #2, up to the Stanley Cup Champions picking last.    I never understood why there was a lottery anyway.  But with the new system, a team could miss the playoffs by a point and end up with the #1 pick.  I don't agree with that at all.

I'm glad the NHL will be back, but I've made a decision.  I won't buy any tickets for one year.  I'm sticking it to the owners and players for creating this mess.  I'm pissed off.  The two sides could have worked this out a long time ago, and they failed.  So I'm going to let them know how I feel by not being in attendance.  I'll watch games on TV and listen on the radio, but I won't be attending.