NHL Hockey Is Back!

MARK BLINCH/REUTERS

With the NHL lockout finally over, I can say one thing for sure. I will be coming back to cheer on my favorite team, wish bad luck upon my non-favorite teams and cheer just as loud as before the lockout occurred. I won't be one of those fans not returning to the game, or trying to teach the NHL and the so-called greedy players a lesson.

After all, the NHL is running a business. I believe when you are doing that you have full control on how you choose to run it. They decided a lockout was best for their business, so be it. Time will tell if they made the right choice but no matter what happens down the road we, as fans, need to deal with it now.

The players were doing what they needed to do. Sure, they make a lot of money. A heck of a lot more than many of us do, but they deserve it. They have a unique skill that allows them to play hockey at an extremally high level.

NHL Lockout: A Simple Way To Say Thanks

The UTSC boys celebrating a 'duck hunt' win. 

     With no NHL to cheer for, and it seems to be staying that way for the unforeseeable future, playing hockey has took on a whole new meaning for me.

And for that NHL, I thank you.

Before, when the NHL was on basically every night and I could immerse myself in highlights every morning, hockey was all around me. Now, it is nowhere to be seen.

Heading to the rink with my bag slung over my back and two sticks in hand brings a whole new sense of excitement.

I always knew that hockey needed to be a part of my life. I never quite realized however, just how big of a part it actually plays in it.

NHL Lockout Ramble: Barack Obama, the Winter Classic and a Solution?

(Christinne Muschi/Reuters/Files)

Are we all not a little tired that there is still no hockey to tune into on a Saturday night, or any day of the week for that matter?

This lockout business has gone on for way to long, especially considering this is not the first time it has happened.

If it happened to be a one time deal, where the players and owners had to sit out a season to make sure everything was in place for the next 50 years, then maybe I would not be complaining as much.

But, this is the third lockout in less than 20 years.

That is pushing it a little bit.

Chicago Blackhawks: Central Division Title Is This Seasons Goal

Photo by Bill Smith/NHL via Getty Images

     The Central Division may the toughest of any in the NHL.

Last season, all but one team (the Columbus Blue Jackets) were able to make it to the playoffs.

The Chicago Blackhawks, even being a team outfitted with all-star talent, finished in fourth spot and sixth in the Western Conference.

Next season, they do not want to be in that position. The goal is to win the division and gain crucial home ice advantage.

Chicago Blackhawks: 3 Reasons They Will Take the Central Division Crown

 

With a lockout still ongoing, we may never get to see if the team can accomplish that feat. However, good news seems to be in the future after the NHL offered the NHLPA a 50/50 split. Although it does not solve all the problems, it does present a solid starting point.

Hockey may be back sooner then we think and when it does return, expect the Blackhawks to give the Central Division teams a strong run for the title.

Calgary Flames: Prospect Sven Baertschi Is the Real Deal

Getty Images via National Hockey League

     After excelling in the five games he played last season with the Calgary Flames, prospect Sven Baertschi would probably have been a regular in the lineup this season—had a NHL lockout not occurred.

For now, Baertschi will have to make due dominating the AHL for the Abbotsford Heat. So far, through two games, the dynamic Swiss forward has been able to put up four points—two goals, two assists.

With the skill that he possesses in the offensive zone, do not be surprised if his play stays pretty consistent all year. After all, a young player like himself is still trying to impress Flames personal at the AHL level—in case the lockout is lifted and a NHL season resumes.

Last season, Baertschi split time between the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL) and the Calgary Flames.

NHL Lockout: Are Hockey Players One Dimensional?

(valorfaerie/Flickr)

After Usain Bolt wowed the world for another time at the 2012 London Olympic Games, he was invited to tryout for Manchester United, the famed English soccer club.

What a spectacle it would have been had Bolt actually made the team and became a soccer star, during his "offseason".

Realistically Bolt would not have given up sprinting, after all, that is where he belongs. After kicking the ball around the pitch he undoubtedly would have returned to the track to win more gold medals.

So, I wonder, why have other teams from other sports not looked into the superstars of the NHL in the same way?

Edmonton Oilers: Farm Team Becomes AHL Dream Team

(Vincent Muzik/Icon SMI)

Many NHL teams recently announced which
players would be sent down to the AHL for next season.

As we all know, at this time anyways, there will be no NHL season due to the lockout. That could potentially change at any moment but the way things are looking it will be lasting a long time. 

So, in that case, why not take a look at what is sure to be one of the best teams during the 2012/13 AHL season?

NHL Lockout: Does it Benefit Teams at All?

With an NHL lockout on the horizon here is a list of benefits a shortened season could bring to teams, in particular the Chicago Blackhawks.

NHL Lockout: The Chicago Blackhawks Would Benefit from Short Season

Realistically, however, this list could be applied to almost every team in the NHL.

As much as the fans are hoping there will be an NHL season, it is not looking to well. It seems, at best, we can only hope a deal can be made before the entire season goes down the drain.

Any word on the happenings surrounding the potential lockout will be relayed through our Twitter feed @Hit_The_Ice.

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