Thursday NHL Update

Last Thursday I wrote the first of what will be my weekly update on the happenings in the NHL. My hope is that this will soon become a recap of big games and stellar performances on the ice. However, because these morons couldn't/ still can't get a deal done, that's not possible. So here's your lockout update:

- I left you last week with the slim hope that either side could possibly make a proposal early this week. Well, those proposals never came, and still haven't.

- Reports surfaced Sunday that the two sides would be having meetings on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday....

- By Monday however, the notion that core economic issues would be discussed was quickly smashed by reports that, once again, only non core issues were on the agenda. (just another swift kick in the nuts...)

- Meetings began yesterday, with the "Big Four" (the Fehr brothers, Bill Daly and Bettman. Credit Pierre LeBrun for the term) meeting for an hour. Early reports were grim, and proclaimed nothing had been accomplished. (Key word: EARLY, things got crazier...)

- A larger meeting took place later in the day, with key issues like ice conditions on the agenda...

- After the meetings, things got even crazier. Donald Fehr's brother, Steve, said that core economic issues WERE discussed. Shortly after, reps from the NHL (Daly) proclaimed that that was not the case, saying no core economics were discussed, and that little or no progress was made. Basically, both sides sat there for an hour, urging the other to make a proposal...these clowns can't even agree on whether or not they spoke about an issue!!

- More meetings are scheduled for today. I'll update as the day goes on.
UPDATE (10:30 am): The first of 2 sessions, with a reported agenda of drug testing issues (-_-) has just begun. The PA has many player reps in attendance, as well as Steve Fehr, however PA leader Donald Fehr is NOT in attendance, which is certainly not a good sign for those looking for serious progress towards a deal (see: Everyone).
UPDATE (2:20 pm): Second round of meetings beginning, still no Donald Fehr in attendance, only Steve...
UPDATE (5:30 pm): Well, I'll just let these sad, disgusting pictures speak for themselves:

So ends yet another useless, depressing week in the state of the NHL passes. Still mountains to be moved and valleys to be crossed before the puck can drop. I, and all over hockey fans can only hope, with any and all hope that we have left, that my update next Thursday is one of a much better tone. Heres to a proposal...someone...anyone...please.