We're going on 52 days now. Almost 90% of the people replying to an ESPN poll say that there won't be any NHL hockey played this year.

Me? I'm an optimist. I think that more went on at the NHLPA meeting this week than the players or union are letting on. I think it will be especially clear after the PA meets with agents in 10 days or so.

You're starting to see the wear and tear on the guys who are playing, either here or in Europe. Some of the injuries are serious; most are just the normal dings of a hockey season. But it is a contact sport and people do get hurt. Which is why this quote from Joe Thornton is so puzzling:

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"I'm happy, I'm playing hockey," said Thornton who came over with Rick Nash, a Columbus winger, because the NHL wasn't playing. "My feeling is it's not going to be played this year and maybe not even next year. I've got to play, and why not play over here?

Joe, most of the leagues over there have some sort of restraining mechanism on salaries: most have an outright cap. Why are you and 200+ of your peers OK playing under that system away from home (and away from the best players in the world) when you could make more money and sleep in your own bed most nights here? Heck, we'll even let you play without a half-shield (mandatory over there).

This is sooo dumb. 52 days and no end in sight. Come home, boys - we miss you. Just start listening to Dylan and forget Bob and Ted:

Don't follow leaders
Watch the parkin' meters