2013 Southeast Division Champions Caps Vs. Rangers

[ixcuincle]

There is a strong sense around the league and fans that the lockout is ending very soon

NHL offered 50-50 split to NHLPA and NHLPA is waiting to accept

Even if NHLPA doesn't accept, it's a huge step forward in negotiations and the lockout could be ending very soon!

Discuss the '12-'13 season here

---------- Post added October-16th-2012 at 01:12 PM ----------

Ovechkin may not come back if NHL re-starts season

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...zJ7LLLWYm22GDQ

Alex Ovechkin is threatening to stay in the KHL past this season, ... and the lockout ends, Ovechkin would be under contract to the Capitals.

Would certainly hurt Caps if he decides to stay in Russia, need him back as soon as possible.

[RonArtest15]

Not going to lie...got REAL excited when I saw this thread. Had to temper my enthusiasm after seeing there was no deal done. LOL

Ovechkin will be back. I'm not worried about these guys staying overseas for a year.

[Heisenberg]

Doesn't staying overseas when he's signed to a contract with the Caps cause some issue with him playing in the Olympics in 2014? I can't imagine Ovechkin risking that

[skinsfan07]

I can't wait for this deal to be settled. As for Ovi, hopefully the talent in Russia is better than over here, b/c he needs to step his game up.

[ixcuincle]

The offer the NHL made to the PA is reasonable. If the PA rejects, it'll be a huge PR hit for them. The NHLPA has to accept, especially when the offer the NHL is putting forward is extremely similar to the NHLPA's original offer. The NHLPA could also theoretically reject, but offer minor changes which could be negotiated.

There is an extremely positive feeling about the potential end to a lockout very soon. All the NHLPA has to do is accept. Please accept

[pjfootballer]

I've been saying this all along. 50/50 is the way to go. And Ovie is in great shape for once, so I'd hate that he would try to stay over there. Is there any recourse for us to demand he honor his NHL contract before any other? Maybe fining him or something? Anyone know?

[Gracelander]

twitter is saying if it's accepeted we will have an 82 game season starting Nov. 2

Lets hope!

[Heisenberg]

The offer the NHL made to the PA is reasonable. If the PA rejects, it'll be a huge PR hit for them. The NHLPA has to accept, especially when the offer the NHL is putting forward is extremely similar to the NHLPA's original offer. The NHLPA could also theoretically reject, but offer minor changes which could be negotiated.

There is an extremely positive feeling about the potential end to a lockout very soon. All the NHLPA has to do is accept. Please accept

Full 82 game season too - they definitely need to accept or make a counter quickly. A deal like this would do a lot to save face for the league.

[MattFancy]

Please get a deal done soon!!

[DCranon21]

Besides me following basketball, I'll be following more hockey if the lockout ends. Hopefully the Caps can go further than the 2nd rd.

[The Bounty Hunter #21]

This is the first time that I can actually see a light at the end of the tunnel regarding this lockout. The best part consists of being able to still have a full 82 game season instead of a condensed version .

[BRAVEONTHEWARPATH93]

Ovi knows damn well his ass will be in Virginia the minute the lockout ends

[Duckus]

Sounds weird . . .but I was sort of hoping they would stay locked out for a bit longer. Wouldn't have minded a ~50 game season. I think it would work better for the NHL than 82 games.

[pjfootballer]

It looks like the divisions will remain the same for this season. I hated the idea of 4 "conferences." This is what I would do:

Bring back the old division names and add 2 more-

Patrick- NY Islanders, NY Rangers, New Jersey, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia

Adams- Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Boston, Buffalo

Howe- Washington, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Florida, Nashville

Norris- Minnesota, Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Columbus

Gretzky- Edmonton, Calgary, Colorado, Winnipeg, Dallas

Smythe- Vancouver, Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Jose, Phoenix

[Heisenberg]

Ugh, I absolutely hate the idea the idea of staying in a conference with all of those teams in the South. Bring back a division with Pittsburgh, Philly, NYR, etc.

Also, no way are they straying from the regional division names.