Because we can get through this together.
For those of you unaware or uncaring, the National Hockey League and its players are at an impasse over a new collective bargaining agreement. The current CBA was developed after a year-long lockout that resulted in the NHL losing the entire 2004-05 season. That CBA expires September 15 of this year, and commissioner Gary Bettman has stated that should an agreement not be forthcoming by that date, the NHL would lock out the players as of 12:01 AM ET on the 16th.
The NHL and the NHLPA have exchanged proposals, but are very, VERY far apart on the so-called "core issues". Mainly, the NHL wants the players to agree to less of the overall hockey revenues, and the PA is essentially asking, "Why?" The PA has countered with greater revenue sharing between teams, and the league is essentially responding, "Are you serious?"
As I type this, nothing has been cancelled, nor has anything about the regular season as scheduled been changed. However, it is looking more and more likely that the season will not start on time. And, the pessimists in the hockey world are even wondering if there will be another season lost to the two sides not being able to come to an agreement.
I decided to separate this from the WE LIKE SPORTS thread, since it will get into more than just the game itself.