Matchsticks and Gasoline, a Calgary Flames community

Why can't both sides in the mess stop putting their efforts into winning a PR battle and just lock themselves in a room and get it done?

"While we remain optimistic that our Panthers will open the 2012-13 season as planned on Oct. 13, I also want to assure you that the work stoppage will not deter our organization from fulfilling its responsibilities to our fans and our community.

"It’s inconceivable to me that the Islanders wouldn’t be on Long Island. It would be malpractice for those in charge to allow that to happen."
~Gary Bettman 10/24/11

As of midnight, we no longer have an agreement to carry [NHL Network].

MMoulson Matt Moulson
YAY! RT @DirtyCat13: Hey, Matt! Your dialog with @grabs40 has been voted as best twitter conversation year by Russian NHL twitter followers

"[The NHL was] interested in hearing a perspective about how a men's league could be of support to the women's version of that sport. That's something I know a little bit about, so we'll see how that goes."

As per NHL.com: Nicklas Lidstrom has signed a one year contract with the Detroit Red Wings. For those of you that thought he might be a Ranger next year ... well, that pipe-dream is over.

In honor of Dustin Byfuglien, Hawks fans must go the rest of the week without pronouncing the letter "G". All in ood fun.

It appears the thawing-out process is well under way. A source told ESPN.com on Saturday [the NHL and KHL] are on the verge of signing a memorandum of understanding that would help avoid conflict in the areas of signed contracts and are already exchanging detailed information on respective player contracts in each league.

Heatley a game-time decision, Hejduk definitely out — and Marleau, Thornton talk about series so far