NHL Re-Alignment on Hold

[RGM81]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=384427

The plan to change from six divisions to four conferences for next season had been approved in December pending consent from the NHL Players' Association.
But in a statement Friday the league said the union would not allow the change to be made. Instead, the NHL will maintain its current alignment and playoff format for the 2012-13 season.
Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the league was unable to address the union's unspecified concerns with the change.
"It is unfortunate that the NHLPA has unreasonably refused to approve a plan that an overwhelming majority of our clubs voted to support, and that has received such widespread support from our fans and other members of the hockey community, including players," Daly said in the statement.
"We believe the union acted unreasonably in violation of the league's rights. We intend to evaluate all of our available legal options and to pursue adequate remedies, as appropriate."

It begins...

[Wickabee]

sigh

[30ranfordfan]

Maybe they were just holding out until they hear proper names for the divisions?

[centrehice]

I think the players have a problem with one side perhaps being overloaded. I don't know why Bettman left this for so long. Something rough should have been taken care within one month of the Jets coming back on board, and there should have been at least 3 scenarios, not just one, thinking that they were rock-stars and that they would be granted carte-blanche.

Bettman waits too long, then attaches a deadline that is not achievable within any framework of time should the deal not be approved.

[Wickabee]

This is just the beginning of, well, a lockout.

[MatsSundin13Rocks]

Definitely the beginning of hostile negotiations. I had my problems with the realignment which is the playoff format and how teams make the playoffs. The best 16 on points should make the playoffs. The playoffs should be 1 vs 16, 2 vs 15, etc. Reseed after each round so the best team remaining plays the worst team remaining. I also think it should be 3 points for all games. 3 points for a regulation win and 2 points for a OT/SO win with 1 point for an OT/SO loss.

[bojohnson]

good, another year. i dont like change

however if this is a lockout, i will be mad.
without hockey, there is nothing to do.

[RGM81]

Even when the changes are beneficial to your team? The Jets have a brutal travel schedule for their divisional road games, and that would have been addressed by the realignment.

[bojohnson]

Even when the changes are beneficial to your team? The Jets have a brutal travel schedule for their divisional road games, and that would have been addressed by the realignment.

Yes, however I feel our playoff chances are better this year than they would be in realignment

[sholi2000]

So happy the Jets are still inthe East.