crack the Big 3 (baseball, pro football, and pro basketball) in American popularity.  The New York Rangers had broken a 54-year drought as Stanley Cup champions and baseball was imploding.

As in the NBA and baseball, the NHL joined in the expansion craze in the 1990's.  Wayne Gretzky brought hockey to America by moving to the Los Angeles Kings and the race was on to get a franchise in every city with over a 250,000 population.  Long-time Canadian franchises relocated, some expansion teams reaped instant success, and the ticket windows were mobbed with a new fan base.

After the "newness" wore off the small market franchises began to lose money.  Anytime you see the words "lose money", expect a "salary cap" to soon follow.  The base of the salary cap disagreement can be mirrored to the baseball dispute a few years ago.  Each side claims the other is greedy and is not

making as much concessions as they are.  Pretty much, just an old fashion manure-slinging contest.

NHL players are going to Europe and forming temporary leagues stateside to "bide time" until the strike is resolved.  Owners state they cannot fiscally support another season.  Far be it from me to recommend the sides sit down, cut salaries (note to players: for most of you, a 50% reduction in salary would still be more than you will receive in Europe), select an outside auditor to check the books, allow the cash strapped owners to cut their losses and maybe, just maybe, "bide some time" until a restructuring of the salaries and television revenue can be hammered out.  But, I'm just a fan, why should you care what I think?

The NHL saw this coming.  To save face many like to say otherwise but they knew.  In the 2 other sports, they also lauded the cash cow knowing good and well "what goes up, must come down".  It did not take Alan Greenspan to know that the money well would quickly dry-up.

The NHL and MLB vehemently reject the salary cap.  The NFL has had a salary cap for about a decade and is light years ahead of the three others in popularity and revenue.  Five years after the NBA had a lockout and approved a salary cap, they are steadily improving financially.  MLB has a steep tradition and can and will hold out as long as possible

The NHL also has a rich tradition but overextended itself more than any.  Nine teams have been added (in addition to some relocating) in the last 20 years and 13 since 1979.  Unlike baseball, the NHL must look towards contraction.  The Pittsburgh Penguins were a franchise of consistency only 10 years ago and are now in financial ruins.  Small market teams cannot survive without good television revenue and a salary cap.

I am in no way a hockey expert but I have a concept.  Contract 6 teams, based on financial calamity but keeping in mind the tradition (exemptions for long standing franchises such as the Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadians, etc), liquidate all assets and spread amongst the remaining 24 teams.  Develop a salary cap and seek an incentive laden television contract with base agreements for a long-term period.  It may take 8-10 years before the NHL can return to the strong financial state that it once was, but it's better than having a two-year lockout and possibly the dissolution of the entire NHL.

Players, owners…… the time to decide is now.  The fans are watching...... they are waiting.